Here’s what happened.
California Rep. David Valadao says GOP must protect vulnerable Americans while cutting wasteful spending
As the Republican-led House moves forward with aggressive plans to cut federal spending, one veteran lawmaker is urging caution—warning that steep Medicaid cuts could backfire politically and hurt millions of working-class Americans.
Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., who chairs the moderate-leaning Republican Governance Group, is pushing back against major cuts to Medicaid—a program that currently serves over 70 million Americans, including low-income individuals, elderly citizens, and military veterans.
While conservatives across the country support shrinking bloated government programs, Valadao says there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Slashing Medicaid without a clear alternative could leave constituents behind—and give Democrats ammunition in the next election.
“Every dollar we cut will be spun as the most devastating in history,” Valadao told Politico. “We need to be smart, not reckless.”
Why Medicaid Is in the GOP’s Crosshairs
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has been tasked with finding $880 billion in federal savings. With entitlement programs on the table, Medicaid is a likely target. Conservative lawmakers say reforms are necessary to reduce fraud, waste, and dependency—but Valadao and a growing group of center-right Republicans are calling for targeted reforms rather than broad cuts.
In fact, Valadao’s district includes more Medicaid recipients than any other Republican-held district in the country, making his stance even more significant.
A Conservative Case for Caution
Valadao isn’t against reform—but he wants it done responsibly. After losing his seat in 2018 for voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act, he returned to Congress two years later with a renewed focus on protecting essential services without growing government.
Last month, Valadao spearheaded a letter signed by 12 Republican members from swing districts, warning party leadership not to pursue deep Medicaid cuts that could backfire both legislatively and electorally.
“We’re all talking to each other,” Valadao said, referring to group chats among at-risk GOP incumbents. “We know what our voters need, and we’re trying to stick together.”
Fellow Republicans Voice Support
Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., praised Valadao’s leadership, saying, “He has a strong sense of what everyday Americans expect from their healthcare—and he’s not afraid to speak up.”
Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, added: “David Valadao is the most team-focused member I’ve worked with. He’s helping us strike the right balance between conservative fiscal policy and practical governance.”
Trump and House Leaders Eye Big Reforms
House Speaker Mike Johnson and top GOP leaders were expected to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss healthcare and budget reforms, including the future of Medicaid. Whether drastic caps or smart, surgical cuts prevail remains to be seen—but Valadao’s message is clear: Protect essential care, cut the bloat, and don’t hand Democrats a political weapon.