The U.S. House has passed a sweeping $1.7 trillion spending cut bill that includes significant reductions to Medicaid and food assistance programs, raising concerns among Republicans about potential losses in the upcoming midterms. Lawmakers worry that slashing these safety-net programs could alienate voters, as seen with the resignation of North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and the withdrawal of other vulnerable GOP senators. While some Republicans acknowledge the risks, the party continues to push forward, hoping to frame the bill as a way to reduce waste and protect vulnerable populations.
The legislation, which was passed with bipartisan support, has already prompted several high-profile departures within the Republican Party. Senator Thom Tillis, a key Senate Republican from North Carolina, resigned under pressure after privately warning colleagues that Medicaid cuts would cost him his seat. Similarly, Susan Collins, a vulnerable Senate Republican from Maine, opposed the bill’s impact on low-income families and rural healthcare providers. These departures have intensified concerns within the GOP that the bill could lead to a broader electoral backlash.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who initially supported the cuts, has privately warned of possible consequences for the party’s control of Congress. Despite his concerns, he rallied enough support to pass the bill. The cuts, however, have drawn public backlash, with polls showing strong disapproval among voters. Nearly half of Americans support increased federal funding for Medicaid, while only 10 percent favor cuts. The financial and political risks of the bill are now central to the party’s messaging as they prepare for the midterms.
Democrats are quick to capitalize on the controversy, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries leading a campaign to highlight the bill’s impact on vulnerable populations. The party is using letters from constituents and targeted ads to pressure vulnerable Republicans, echoing previous strategies that led to significant GOP losses in the 2018 midterms. As the race for Congress intensifies, the Medicaid cut bill remains a central issue in the political landscape, with Republicans scrambling to manage the fallout and avoid a major electoral setback.