The House Energy and Commerce Committee has postponed a crucial vote on packages laden with President Trump’s legislative goals due to ongoing disputes regarding possible Medicaid reductions.
Initially, the committee aimed to advance the markup for a vote on May 7, as stated by a committee aide to Hill. However, on Thursday, members were informed that the markup would now be considered during the week of May 12, according to a committee source.
Instead, the committee plans to convene on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The chairman had a very constructive discussion with President Trump at the White House today to follow up on requests that won’t be marked up next week,” committee staff informed members. “The week of May 12th will be for settlement markup. The committee meeting will commence before Tuesday’s vote.”
“We’ll conduct a meeting next Tuesday and Wednesday instead of a hearing/markup,” the communication further stated.
The Hill contacted the Energy and Commerce Committee for comments.
This delay has not aided Brett Guthrie (R-KY.), the chair of the House Energy Committee this week, in reaching agreement on potential Medicaid cuts following discussions among House Republicans.
Guthrie visited the White House with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and others to confer with Trump on Thursday, as members of the House Freedom Caucus expressed concerns about such cuts, particularly after abrupt discussions on Wednesday night.
The postponed markup affects Johnson, who had been advocating for all markup to conclude next week. Another committee is also looking at its markup being set for later in the month. The House Ways and Means Committee is handling state tax (salt) deductions. Lawmakers remain divided.
Republicans from high-tax blue states are seeking an increase in their salt caps. The panel has not officially disclosed the markup but Johnson noted that it was his “expectation” it would happen next week on Wednesday.
“We’re aiming to facilitate the process for everyone: we don’t schedule markup,” commented JP Freire, a spokesperson for the House Ways and Means Committee.I shared this on social platform X. “We haven’t arranged one. When we do, a notification is sent out. The committee is working to help members finalize this initiative.”
The budget resolution, outlining parameters for the final Trump Agenda bill, instructs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to identify at least $880 billion in cuts. Nevertheless, hardline conservatives are advocating for reductions to ensure the packages remain deficit-neutral.
Neither side appears willing to back down.
“We are resolute in our stance to safeguard Medicaid for those who qualify,” Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., told reporters on Thursday. “Leadership is well aware of our position.”
Trump, for his part, asserts he does not aim to cut Medicaid, instead choosing to concentrate on addressing “waste, fraud, and abuse” in social safety net programs.
“One key objective is to protect Medicaid for Americans in need,” Trump stated after a meeting with senior lawmakers on Thursday. “We won’t let Democrats ruin it; we’re set to eliminate the waste, fraud, and abuse they seem to prefer.
