Trump Administration Commends House Republicans on Medicaid Changes
The Trump administration has expressed support for House Republicans who recently took steps to safeguard Medicaid access for Americans by excluding noncitizens from the program.
During a markup session on Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee agreed on a budget reconciliation measure that bars federal funding under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program for undocumented immigrants.
In a statement to The Daily Signal, White House spokesperson Kush Desai emphasized, “President Trump and Republicans are protecting Medicaid — and this begins with removing 1.4 million undocumented immigrants from the program to focus on Americans in need.”
The markup specifically eliminates coverage for “individuals without verified citizenship, nationality, or satisfactory immigration status who would be covered under state-only funded programs as per current law.” This could affect about 1.4 million individuals by 2034.
A budget resolution passed last month ordered the House Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce spending by $880 billion. This directive has led to considerable speculation—particularly about potential Medicaid cuts—causing quite a stir in Congress.
Democrats have claimed that Republicans are cutting Medicaid for American citizens, neglecting to clarify that the cuts primarily target assistance for undocumented immigrants.
“Republicans are hastily moving forward with this markup, likely to pass it under the radar, hoping nobody notices the implications — including how many Americans might lose their health care as a result,” remarked a spokesperson for the Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats.
The Energy and Commerce bill seeks to ensure that proof of citizenship or necessary immigration status is verified before Medicaid benefits are granted, reversing the current practice of enrolling applicants immediately and verifying documentation later. Another key element of the bill involves reducing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for states that provide health coverage for undocumented individuals via state-run programs.
Representative Buddy Carter, R-Ga., clarified that Republicans are not removing 13.7 million Americans from Medicaid; instead, they aim to enhance the program for those who truly require it. “We’re ensuring that no undocumented individuals are part of the program, that people aren’t registered in more than one state, and that there will be work requirements,” he pointed out.
“We are stabilizing this program,” Carter continued. “It’s simply not accurate to suggest we’re trying to kick people off.”
