Five Republicans Join Democrats to Defeat Bill

President Donald J. Trump

GOP lawmakers are pushing a legislative plan to change Medicaid eligibility and eliminate the electric vehicle (EV) mandate. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, led by Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), has targeted over $900 billion in spending, amid concerns from Democrats about welfare program reductions. President Donald Trump’s plan aims to reshape the budget and reduce costs substantially.

However, on May 16, the GOP's plan failed to advance in the House Budget Committee with a 16-21 vote. Five conservative Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting the bill. Republicans have cited insufficient spending cuts and deficit concerns.

The proposal faces an uncertain path forward. The Budget Committee is set to reconvene, but internal GOP divisions persist. We take a closer look at the push in this photo gallery.

Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky

The proposed legislation introduces a work requirement for able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64, mandating them to complete 80 hours of work monthly to qualify for Medicaid. States must also conduct eligibility checks every six months, which particularly impacts coverage for illegal immigrants as their federal reimbursements decline.

Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky with Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, for a swearing-in

Guthrie estimates $105 billion in savings from eliminating the EV sales mandate, which required electric vehicles to make up two-thirds of all new auto sales by 2032. The bill rescinds unspent funds from various Biden-era green energy tax programs but does not fully repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, leading to disagreement among GOP lawmakers.

Kentucky U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie

Guthrie said, "Savings like these allow us to use this bill to renew the Trump tax cuts and keep Republicans’ promise to hardworking middle-class families."

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA)

Another provision makes large abortion providers ineligible for Medicaid funding. While conservative factions, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), support the measure, moderate Republicans worry about potential backlash. The bill allows exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s life.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., holds as a news conference

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) argued that "millions of Americans will lose their health care coverage." He added, "Hospitals will close, seniors will not be able to access the care they need, and premiums will rise for millions of people if this bill passes."

Donald J. Trump speaking during the RNC

House Republicans seek substantial budget cuts through the reconciliation process, which allows legislation to pass with a simple majority. With only a three-vote margin, GOP leaders aim for unity to pass the bill without Democratic support. They expect to finalize the bill for President Trump by the Fourth of July.

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.