A new GOP budget proposal could trigger a major clash within the Republican Party. President Donald Trump wants Congress to cut off Medicaid funding for major abortion providers. However, several moderate House Republicans are raising serious concerns.
During a Sunday night call, Rep. Brett Guthrie outlined parts of the sweeping budget reconciliation bill. His panel, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, has proposed deep cuts. One key provision would block Medicaid dollars from going to large organizations offering abortion services.
That provision is already drawing fire. Rep. Mike Lawler warned his colleagues, saying they were “walking into a hornet’s nest.” Lawler represents a New York district that Trump lost in 2024. He urged lawmakers to reconsider the language.
Lawler pointed out that the Protect Life Funding Initiative could alienate swing-district Republicans. He also reminded the group that the Hyde Amendment already prevents direct federal abortion funding.
Even so, GOP leaders are determined to move forward. They argue that the bill only targets groups where abortion is a primary service. Speaker Mike Johnson recently said that funds should go to federally qualified health centers instead.
The Protect Life Funding Initiative includes exceptions. Facilities may still receive funds if abortions are performed only in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions. Lawmakers behind the bill believe this narrows its reach and boosts legal standing.
However, opposition continues to build. Another source familiar with GOP discussions confirmed that multiple moderates are unhappy. They fear that renewed abortion debates could damage party unity just before elections.
Despite objections, the reconciliation bill is moving fast. The budget process allows Republicans to pass it with a simple majority. With a narrow three-vote margin, even a few defections could sink the effort.
Meanwhile, the bill also includes other cost-cutting measures. It proposes work requirements for some Medicaid recipients. It also targets spending on undocumented immigrants and rolls back Biden-era green energy incentives.
Rep. Guthrie claimed the bill would cut “north of $900 billion” from federal spending. His committee alone is responsible for over half the total target.
Still, concerns around the Protect Life Funding Initiative continue to dominate the conversation. As Republicans push for unity, intra-party conflicts are growing louder.
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