House Republicans are celebrating the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which they argue represents a significant reform of the Medicaid program aimed at eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. The legislation, which passed the House 215 to 214, has been met with sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue it will result in significant Medicaid cuts and potentially leave millions of Americans without health insurance. While Republicans insist that the bill protects the most vulnerable, Democrats are already using the issue as a key point of attack in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., defended the bill in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, stating that the legislation puts Americans first by securing the border, protecting benefits for the most vulnerable, and investing in American manufacturing and energy production. She dismissed Democratic claims of Medicaid cuts as false, emphasizing that the bill does not affect the traditional Medicaid population. Instead, she argued the reforms target illegal immigrants, ineligible beneficiaries, and duplicate enrollees.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that 8.6 million people will lose health insurance by 2034 through the Medicaid reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This includes 5 million Americans who were already set to lose coverage under existing policies. Houchin pointed out that these 5 million individuals were set to lose coverage as a result of the sunset date implemented by Democrats, and the bill simply allows that date to expire as originally intended.
Democrats have already begun to use the issue as a key point of attack, with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) spokesperson Viet Shelton stating that the bill will result in millions of Americans losing health insurance. Shelton argued that the bill’s impact is widely recognized by independent analysts and health care professionals, and that Republicans are trying to downplay the issue to protect their majority.
However, the House Republicans’ slim majority managed to deliver a legislative win for President Donald Trump, who had made the passage of the bill a key priority. The bill includes Trump’s key campaign promises, including no tax on tips and overtime, and seeks to permanently extend his 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Despite this, the ‘big, beautiful’ fight is far from over as the Senate is tasked with drafting its own version of the bill.
Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about the current form of the bill, with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., indicating that he does not support the bill as it stands. He warned against the potential consequences of funding cuts, including the possibility of rural hospitals closing their doors. Meanwhile, Democrats have been leveraging the issue to mobilize support, with DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene stating that the betrayal of working families by Republicans will cost them their jobs in the midterms and Republicans the House majority come 2026.
As House members return to their home states, the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) is encouraging House Republicans to continue communicating with constituents and the media about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The debate surrounding the bill highlights the deep divisions within Congress and the potential political ramifications of the legislation for both parties.