House Republican committee chairs outlined potential spending cuts in the range of $2.5 trillion to $3 trillion to fund a massive tax cut package during this week's closed session, Punchbowl reported on Friday.
The proposed cuts span multiple federal programs, with the Energy and Commerce Committee leading the charge for up to $2 trillion in potential cuts. Proposals include a per capita cap on Medicaid, work requirements for program recipients, and rollbacks of environmental regulations. According to to the outlet.
“The federal government is bloated and inefficient,” said Missouri Republican Rep. Eric Burleson, who sits on the House Oversight and Accountability, Transportation and Infrastructure, Education, and Workforce Committees. “Agents multiply efforts, duplicate efforts, and waste taxpayer dollars. I'm calling for big cuts to eliminate this waste. It's time to streamline and put America first.”
The federal government is bloated and inefficient.
Agencies duplicate efforts, duplicate, and waste tax dollars.
I am calling for major reductions to eliminate this waste.
It's time to rationalize and put America first.
– Eric Burlison (@ericburlison) January 16, 2025
Medicaid spending will account for $817 billion in federal spending in 2023 and 18% of all health care spending nationwide. Imposing citizenship parameters and work requirements on Medicaid recipients, as some GOP members have proposedcould save an estimated $100 billion over the next decade. new york times has been reported.
The Education and Workforce Panel reportedly aims to save up to $500 billion, primarily through federal student loan reform. Proposed measures include lowering borrowing limits, restricting loan eligibility for non-citizens, and capping the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Federal Direct Loan Program costs American taxpayers $170 billion annually and increases due to the skyrocketing costs of higher education. According to to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. (RELATED: 'It Was a Car Wreck': FOX Business Guest Says Congress, Americans 'Crazy' About 'Rampage')
Other committees reportedly have similar goals. The Agriculture Committee has proposed cuts of $100 billion to $250 billion that could impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), colloquially known as food stamps. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has proposed $66 billion in cuts from federal employee retirement and health benefits.
The committee chair is also considering options to generate revenue through increased fees for certain industries and immigration processes.
The Judiciary Committee is exploring the imposition of fees on a vast range of asylum applications, annual renewals, detention, parole, and visas. The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reportedly proposed increasing ship tonnage duties and imposing a fee on electric vehicles.
How the US Government Spent Your Tax Money in 2024:
– The state department spent $2.1 million on border security in Paraguay.
– USAID is spending $20 million on new Sesame Street show 'Ahlan Simsim' in Iraq
– The National Endowment for the Arts awarded Bearded Woman…– Office of Government Efficiency (@doge) December 24, 2024
The proposal comes as House Republicans prepare a reconciliation package, facing a 217-215 majority. Texas Budget Chairman Geor Deaton has been particularly active in developing cost-saving options.
The Settlement Rule requires an aggressive approach to federal spending and has potentially far-reaching implications for federally funded programs, immigration policy, and federal employee benefits.
It's unclear when House Republicans will release their final proposal or how much they plan to cut taxes.
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