Democrats waging ‘fear campaign’ against Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’: lawmaker
Chairman Brett Guthrie of the House Energy and Commerce Committee has accused Democrats of spreading misinformation about President Donald Trump’s proposed bill. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Guthrie stated that Democrats have been engaging in a “fear campaign” to deceive the American public ever since Republicans began discussing the budget reconciliation process.
Guthrie emphasized that the bill aims to refocus Medicaid on vulnerable populations such as mothers, children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly, rather than illegal immigrants and capable adults who choose not to work. He debunked Democrats’ claims of severe Medicaid cuts, asserting that the bill actually includes provisions to streamline the program and ensure it is used more effectively.
The Energy and Commerce Committee, under Guthrie’s leadership, was tasked with identifying over $880 billion in spending cuts to fund other priorities outlined in Trump’s bill. Despite initial concerns from Democrats about potential Medicaid reductions, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that the legislation could achieve even greater savings than originally projected.
The bill includes measures such as implementing an 80-hour-per-month work requirement for certain Medicaid recipients, imposing restrictions on state spending for expanded Medicaid populations, and introducing eligibility checks every six months to prevent abuse of the system. Additionally, states providing Medicaid coverage to illegal immigrants may face reduced federal reimbursement, placing more financial responsibility on the states themselves.
Ranking member Rep. Frank Pallone raised objections to the bill, citing a CBO projection that suggested millions could lose health insurance under the proposed Medicaid changes. However, Guthrie dismissed these claims as exaggerations aimed at scoring political points rather than addressing the bill’s actual contents.
Despite Democratic opposition, Republicans are planning to advance the Energy and Commerce portion of the bill for further consideration. Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to pass the final bill in the House by Memorial Day, signaling a significant step forward in implementing Trump’s legislative agenda.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, provided insights into the ongoing debate surrounding Trump’s proposed bill. For more updates on this story and other political developments, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
