Tue May 13 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## House Republicans Unveil Controversial Healthcare Cuts to Fund Trump Tax Cuts

**WASHINGTON** – House Republicans unveiled a sweeping healthcare bill on Sunday, proposing $880 billion in cuts primarily targeting Medicaid to offset the cost of extending President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. The legislation, totaling hundreds of pages, is sparking intense political backlash, igniting the biggest healthcare debate since the failed 2017 attempt to repeal Obamacare.

The bill introduces stringent new eligibility requirements for Medicaid, including mandatory community engagement (at least 80 hours per month of work, education, or service for able-bodied adults without dependents), more frequent income verification, and asset limits (homes valued over $1 million would disqualify applicants). Those above 100% of the federal poverty level would face co-pays, excluding essential services. Illegal immigrants would also face stricter eligibility criteria, and federal funding to states allowing their enrollment would be reduced.

Republicans argue the cuts target “waste, fraud, and abuse,” while Democrats contend millions will lose coverage. A preliminary Congressional Budget Office estimate projects 8.6 million fewer people with healthcare coverage over a decade. The bill also includes rollbacks of Biden-era green energy initiatives.

The proposed savings are crucial to fulfilling Republicans’ promise to extend the expiring Trump-era tax cuts. However, the plan faces significant internal opposition within the Republican party, with over a dozen House members expressing concerns about the impact on their constituents. Senator Josh Hawley has publicly denounced the cuts as “morally wrong and politically suicidal.” Even President Trump, who initially vowed against Medicaid cuts, has remained silent on this specific proposal.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has set a Memorial Day deadline for passage, leading to a flurry of public hearings this week. The bill’s future remains uncertain given the considerable opposition and the tight deadline. The political ramifications of this deeply divisive legislation are expected to be significant in the lead up to the next election cycle.

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