House Republicans are defending the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives, as a necessary effort to reform Medicaid by addressing waste, fraud, and abuse within the program. The Republicans argue the bill is designed to secure benefits for the most vulnerable Americans, while Democrats have condemned the measure, calling it potential Medicaid cuts that could jeopardize millions of Americans’ health insurance coverage.
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), an 8.6 million people will lose their health insurance by 2034 due to the bill’s Medicaid reforms, a figure that Democrats have already begun using in their campaign messaging. In response, House Republicans have emphasized that the bill removes benefits from those who are ineligible, illegal, or duplicate enrollees, rather than targeting the most vulnerable.
The bill also includes Trump’s key campaign promises, such as no tax on tips and overtime, and seeks to permanently extend his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, Senate Republicans have expressed reservations about the bill’s current form, indicating they may not support it in its current state. The passage of the bill has already sparked a political battle, with Democrats warning that the move will cost vulnerable Republicans their seats in the 2026 midterms.
Meanwhile, Republicans are working to communicate the message to their constituents that the bill protects Medicaid for the most vulnerable Americans and prevents waste of funds. As House members return to their home states, the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) is encouraging its members to continue communicating with the media to reinforce the GOP’s position on the bill.
House Republicans, particularly Rep. Erin Houchin, have argued that the bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program, rather than cutting benefits for the most vulnerable. Houchin has stated that the Republicans believe the CBO’s estimates are flawed and that the bill is actually about streamlining the program to better serve the most vulnerable Americans. The American Accountability Foundation has also pointed out that CBO’s Health Analysis Division is largely staffed by Democrats, which may influence their analysis of the bill’s impact.
This ongoing political battle between the House and the Senate, and between Republicans and Democrats, highlights the broader divide over Medicaid reform and the potential financial effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill represents a significant shift in the nation’s healthcare policy, with potential impacts on millions of Americans, and the political consequences for both parties could be substantial.