WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has assured the American public that Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, will not cut Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare. Johnson’s statement comes as Congress faces intense budget negotiations, with potential spending cuts raising concerns among lawmakers and citizens alike.
Budget Proposal Sparks Controversy
The Republican-controlled House narrowly passed a budget resolution on Tuesday night, setting the stage for significant government spending reductions. The budget utilizes the reconciliation process, a legislative tool that allows the Senate to bypass filibusters and pass bills with a simple majority vote. While the proposal aims to curb government spending, concerns have been raised about its impact on social programs.
Johnson, however, has firmly denied claims that Republicans plan to slash Social Security or Medicare. He emphasized that the focus would be on eliminating wasteful spending and preventing fraud, rather than reducing benefits for deserving recipients.
Concerns Over Medicaid Cuts
While the budget resolution does not explicitly mention Medicaid, it does instruct the House Energy and Commerce Committee—which oversees Medicaid—to make at least $880 billion in spending reductions. This has sparked fears that Medicaid recipients, particularly low-income families and seniors, may be affected.
Speaking with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Johnson clarified that any cuts would target fraud and abuse rather than benefits. “We’re not going to cut Medicaid for those who truly need it,” he said. “The Democrats have been lying about it, and so it’s important for us to clarify that.”
Johnson also suggested that able-bodied adults who currently receive Medicaid benefits could see changes under the proposed plan. “Medicaid is meant to support single mothers, children, and vulnerable populations—not able-bodied 29-year-olds playing video games on their couches,” he said. “We will find those who are taking advantage of the system and encourage them to return to work.”
Political Reactions and Criticism
Democrats have pushed back against Johnson’s statements, arguing that any substantial spending cuts will inevitably affect Medicaid beneficiaries. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the budget, stating, “Republicans’ budget has a fundamental math problem. An $880 billion cut is an attack on Medicaid, not ‘waste,’ ‘fraud,’ and ‘abuse.’ Let’s be clear—anyone who votes for this budget is voting to cut Medicaid.”
David Karol, a political science professor at the University of Maryland, highlighted the challenge Republicans face in maintaining their promises. “There is no way to balance the budget strictly on the spending side without massive cuts to programs that would be hugely unpopular, even with many Trump voters,” Karol said. He pointed out that even in deeply conservative states, voters have supported Medicaid expansion through ballot measures, signaling broad public support for the program.
What Happens Next?
The budget resolution is far from final. The Senate must pass its own version, and significant revisions are expected. Republican senators have already expressed hesitation about supporting the House’s aggressive spending cuts, especially given the controversy surrounding Medicaid reductions.
While Speaker Johnson remains confident that the House will lead budget negotiations, the final decision will likely require compromise between the two chambers. With the 2024 elections approaching, the debate over Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare is expected to remain a major political issue.
For now, Johnson and House Republicans insist that essential social programs will not be cut, but the details of the final budget agreement remain uncertain. Americans who rely on these programs will be watching closely to see how the negotiations unfold.
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