House Republicans Follow DOGE’s Lead

_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

House Republicans narrowly passed a budget resolution that tackles key parts of President Trump's agenda. The bill, which passed with a slim 217-215 vote, lays the groundwork for trillions in tax cuts, spending cuts, and increases in defense and border security funding.

The cuts — required over a 10-year period, as per reconciliation rules — present a major point of conflict. Democrats argue the cuts require slashing Medicaid, used by over 70 million low-income and disabled Americans. Republicans, however, claim Democrats are lying and misrepresenting their goals.

_THE FACTS_

→ The budget resolution calls for at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over ten years and includes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase — a major Trump priority.

→ It directs around $100 billion in increased spending for the Judiciary, Armed Services Committee, and Homeland Security Committees.

→ It allocates $4.5 trillion to extend President Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, set to expire this year.

→ Committees are tasked with finding cuts, including $880 billion from the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and Medicaid.

→ Because of this directive, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) accused Republicans of trying to “slash and burn Medicaid benefits.”

→ Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) said that he won’t vote for Medicaid cuts.

→ House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) emphasized that the word “Medicaid” is not mentioned in the bill, and cuts would focus on eliminating fraud and waste within the program.

→ Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) stated, “There were at least $50.3 BILLION in improper Medicaid payments in 2023 alone,” adding that Republicans “simply want to eliminate the waste, fraud, and abuse riddling the program.”

→ However, as conservative commentator Steve Bannon acknowledged, “You have to be careful because a lot of MAGA is on Medicaid.”