The Republican speaker’s decision underscored the resistance in his party to politically painful reductions to the program, and drew a backlash from the hard right, which is demanding deep cuts.

WASHINGTON ― Some of Republicans’ top ideas for reducing Medicaid spending would cut enrollment by millions, according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office. The analysis comes as no surprise but nevertheless could make it harder for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said Republicans are cutting Medicaid in order to hand tax breaks to the rich. Newsweek has contacted Ocasio-Cortez via email for comment outside of regular working hours.

New mandates proposed for megabill would likely force states to revamp how they finance their programs or cut benefits.

House Republicans unveil a budget bill with proposed Medicaid cuts, including work requirements and eligibility checks. Read more here.