Rep. Dusty Johnson Weighs Medicaid Cuts in House GOP Budget Debate

House Republicans’ narrow budget plan approval faces a precarious path as stark divisions emerge over proposed Medicaid cuts totaling $880 billion.

Key Takeaways

The House GOP budget plan passed by just two votes (217-215), highlighting deep divisions within the Republican caucus
The proposal includes $880 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years while extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts at a cost of $4.5 trillion
Rep. Dusty Johnson defends the proposal as necessary for fiscal responsibility despite concerns from moderate Republicans
Speaker Mike Johnson could only afford to lose one Republican vote for the budget reconciliation bill to pass if all Democrats oppose it
At least two GOP lawmakers had already declared opposition to the bill

Budget Plan Passes By Razor-Thin Margin

The House passed a Republican budget resolution with a remarkably slim margin of 217 to 215, revealing significant fractures within the GOP over fiscal priorities. This budget blueprint includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and approximately $2 trillion in federal spending reductions over the next decade. The contentious vote marks a critical first step for Republicans to utilize the budget reconciliation process, which would allow them to advance President Trump’s agenda on taxes, border security, and energy policy through the Senate with a simple majority rather than facing the 60-vote filibuster threshold.

Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of passing this budget framework, framing it as essential to fulfilling campaign promises. “This has been necessary because we promised to deliver President Trump’s full agenda, not just a part of it. We’re not just going to do a little bit now and return later for the rest. We have to do it now,” Johnson stated, portraying the budget as the opening move in a longer legislative strategy to implement the administration’s priorities.

BREAKING: The House has passed the Republican budget resolution after a tumultuous night on the floor and resistance from Democrats and some GOP members. The measure increases the debt ceiling, extends President Donald Trump's signature tax cuts, and provides funds for border… pic.twitter.com/RsWakzYVbu

— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) February 26, 2025

Medicaid Cuts Spark Internal Republican Debate

At the center of the controversy are proposed substantial cuts to Medicaid, with the budget directing committees to find $880 billion in reductions over the next decade. Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota has emerged as a defender of these measures, arguing they represent necessary fiscal discipline in the face of mounting national debt. The proposal calls for increasing spending in select areas including border security, judiciary, and defense by $300 billion, while seeking between $1.5 and $2 trillion in cuts elsewhere in the federal budget.

Several Republican representatives from more moderate districts had expressed hesitation about supporting such deep cuts to social safety net programs. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York estimated that “somewhere between six and 10” GOP members remain undecided on the reconciliation bill that would implement the budget priorities. She herself remained on the fence, stating before the vote, “If I don’t get answers, I’m not going to vote for it. But if I can get some clarity and assurances, then you know, we’re moving a little bit more toward the ‘yes’ column.”

GOP Defections Threaten Final Passage

The proposed legislation features a significant expansion of Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, with $4.5 trillion allocated to extend these tax benefits. This creates a complex balancing act for Republican leadership, who must satisfy conservative demands for deeper spending cuts while addressing moderates’ concerns about cutting essential services. The chaotic voting process on the initial budget resolution demonstrated how difficult this balance will be to maintain as the legislation moves forward toward implementation.