Exclusive: The chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee has accused Democrats of misrepresenting President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
Brett Guthrie, a Republican from Kentucky, expressed to Fox News Digital that he feels Democrats have been engaged in a “terror campaign that scares Americans” since the onset of discussions surrounding the budget settlement process.
“Right now, Democrats are spreading false information, suggesting policies that aren’t even part of the bill,” Guthrie remarked.
“This legislation aims to refocus Medicaid on mothers, children, people with disabilities, and seniors, and not on illegal immigrants or able-bodied adults who have opted not to work.”
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The Kentucky Republican specifically highlighted the Trump bill aspect of his committee’s work, which had its text released late Sunday evening.
The Energy and Commerce Committee, with its broad jurisdiction, including federal health programs, communications, and energy, is expected to identify cuts amounting to at least $880 billion to cover other priorities in the bill.
This figure represents the largest share among the 11 committees involved in the settlement process, some of which have received additional funds to implement Trump’s agenda on tax cuts, defense, immigration, and borders.
Nevertheless, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated on Monday that the law might achieve even more savings than the projected $880 billion.
On a call with fellow Republicans, Guthrie reportedly informed them that the committee had identified potential savings above that benchmark.
Democrats quickly pointed to the legislation as what they perceived to be clear evidence of the Republican plan to cut Medicaid.
However, the details that emerged on Sunday night suggest that House GOP leaders have left some significant cuts to low-income healthcare programs, urged on by conservative lawmakers.
The proposed law introduces new work requirements of 80 hours per month for certain healthy adults aged 19 to 64 receiving Medicaid.
It also imposes restrictions on states that choose to expand their Medicaid populations. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) had permitted states to extend Medicaid coverage to individuals earning up to 138% of the poverty level.
More particularly, states that offer Medicaid to illegal immigrants may face reductions in federal Medicaid reimbursements, thus increasing their financial burden.
The legislation mandates that eligibility reviews be conducted every six months in states with expanded Medicaid populations to prevent system abuse.
The Medicaid reimbursement plan will encounter a freeze on new state-imposed taxes but will maintain current rates. These provider taxes help states increase their federal funds for Medicaid.
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New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, the leading Democrat on the committee, responded with the CBO analysis requested by his party, which indicated that at least 13.7 million people could lose health insurance under the proposed Republican Medicaid changes.
“To be clear, Republican leaders rolled out this bill late at night because they didn’t want anyone to see their true intentions,” Pallone stated.
“This doesn’t just trim fat; it cuts deep. Most of the savings will come from taking healthcare away from millions of Americans. The bill lacks any focus on cutting ‘waste, fraud, or abuse.’”
Guthrie has dismissed the Democrats’ figures, calling the claims irresponsible and politically motivated.
“It’s reckless for my colleagues across the aisle to inflate numbers without solid evidence and to use fear-mongering to score political points,” he mentioned.
“This settlement is a win for Americans everywhere, and it’s unfortunate that Democrats seem to be at odds with one another just to protect their programs.”
Republicans plan to advance the energy and commerce part of the bill on Tuesday afternoon. If it clears the committee, it will be included in the final legislation. Chairman Mike Johnson hopes to see it passed in the House by the anniversary date.
