Senator Hawley Critiques Medicaid Cuts
Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri spoke against the idea of reducing funding for Medicaid, labeling it as “morally wrong” and “political suicide” during ongoing budget discussions.
In an op-ed for the New York Times, Hawley expressed concerns over how the House Republicans’ proposed Medicaid reforms could endanger the program that supports many working-class Americans. He highlighted the potential negative impacts on families and rural hospitals, emphasizing that these cuts would alienate voters who depend on these services.
“If Congress cuts funds for Medicaid benefits, Missouri workers and their children will lose their healthcare. And hospitals will close. That’s very easy,” Hawley stated. Missouri, he noted, is one of 40 states that has expanded Medicaid, with about 21% of the population currently benefiting from it.
Hawley also advocated for lowering prescription drug costs, suggesting that this could alleviate some financial burdens on families. He further called for tax credits aimed at families with children.
The senator pointed out that GOP voters largely support maintaining and even expanding Medicaid. He referenced public backing for Missouri’s Medicaid expansion, which was approved through a 2020 voting initiative, and noted that this support persisted even while the state leaned toward Republican candidates.
“It’s safe to say that the Trump Coalition didn’t pull the lever for Medicaid cuts in November,” he remarked, citing a survey where 63% of Republicans showed support for Medicaid, and 44% mentioned being part of the program.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is currently working on identifying at least $880 billion in cuts over the next decade, reflecting President Trump’s budget priorities. The proposed changes to Medicaid could potentially diminish its scope for about 8.5 million individuals by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Kentucky Republican and House E&C Speaker Brett Guthrie defended the reforms, arguing they would help save and strengthen Medicaid for vulnerable groups, including children, mothers, and the elderly.
The reform package also includes controversial provisions, such as reimbursement for certain procedures and work requirements for able-bodied adults. Speaker Johnson has set a goal of saving $1.5 trillion throughout the package, which would result in a narrow margin for passing considering party support.
Despite backlash from Democrats, including New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone—who criticized the GOP for making harmful Medicaid cuts while benefiting billionaires—Hawley asserted that there are no plans to diminish the program focused on aiding the qualified.
“We absolutely did nothing to hurt Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security,” he stated during an interview, emphasizing a strategy centered on eliminating waste and fraud instead.
The House GOP aims to pass the budget adjustment package before the Memorial Day break, with hopes to finalize it by July 4th.
