President Donald Trump’s initiative, often referred to as the “big beautiful bill,” which aims to limit federal funding for abortion providers, might face some pushback from moderate House Republicans.
House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie from Kentucky held a meeting recently where he introduced a segment of the GOP lawmakers and a Republican settlement bill panel.
During the Q&A, Representative Mike Lawler from New York asked for clarification on several points, particularly concerning provisions that relate to “large groups providing abortion services” that would not qualify for federal Medicaid funding.
“You’re stepping into a Hornet’s nest,” Lawler cautioned his fellow lawmakers.
A New York Republican, one of three from a district Trump lost in 2024, raised concerns about the definitions being used, suggesting they needed to review the language carefully.
Guthrie assured him that certain considerations had indeed been taken into account.
Lawler pointed out, however, that the Hyde Amendment already prevents federal funds from being allocated to abortion services.
Concerns similar to Lawler’s were shared by other members familiar with the discussions, who wished to remain anonymous. They indicated that some New York Republican lawmakers might oppose the final bill if those specific provisions remained.
“We don’t want to ignite a new battle over abortion,” one individual recalled mentioning.
Last week, Fox News Digital learned that discussions were ongoing regarding potential measures. House Speaker Mike Johnson hinted at this Republican plan during a speech at a pro-life gala last month.
Johnson stated that the proposed Republican bill would aim to shift funds from what he calls “big abortion” to “federal-qualified health centers.”
This is part of an effort to manage spending and support other priorities of Trump’s through the budget adjustment process.
Currently, House Republicans are operating with very narrow voting margins. They are keen on passing legislation without much dissent and without Democratic backing, as there’s an absence of significant Democratic input regarding this policy overhaul.
The budget adjustment also lowers the Senate’s voting threshold from 60 votes to 51, aligning it with a simple majority required in the House.
This process allows political parties to maneuver around opposition and pass various laws more easily.
Trump is hoping that Republicans will address priorities like border security, immigration, taxation, defense, energy, and debt ceilings.
In this context, several committees are working on distinct parts of the bill, which will eventually come together in a broad legislative package for approval in both the House and Senate.
On another note, Guthrie mentioned the commission has to uncover at least $880 billion in spending cuts, which may total between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion.
He noted that the bill released includes cuts aimed at “the north.”
Furthermore, in addition to targeting Medicaid funds for major abortion providers, the law seeks to implement work requirements for certain healthy participants of Medicaid expansion. It also aims at reallocating Medicaid dollars away from states providing health care to undocumented immigrants and eliminating several green energy subsidies established by the Biden administration.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Guthrie’s committee and Lawler’s office for comments regarding certain measures discussed.
