Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jeffries Blames Republicans for Historic Medicaid Cuts, Urges Bipartisan Talks

10/5/2025

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Republicans caused a government shutdown by refusing to protect healthcare, citing the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history.
He urges bipartisan talks on healthcare and the economy to help working-class Americans.
He says over 20 million Americans would face higher healthcare costs without ACA tax credits and blames tax breaks for the wealthy.

History

Historical Context

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981, signed by President Ronald Reagan, marked the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history, slashing funding by approximately $1.5 billion. This legislation aimed to reduce federal spending and shift costs to states. Today, Hakeem Jeffries warns that over 20 million Americans could face increased healthcare costs without ACA tax credits, highlighting ongoing debates over healthcare funding.

1 of 2

Story summary

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Republicans caused a government shutdown by refusing to protect healthcare, citing the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history.
He urges bipartisan talks on healthcare and the economy to help working-class Americans.
He says over 20 million Americans would face higher healthcare costs without ACA tax credits and blames tax breaks for the wealthy.

1 / 2