House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) has criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) for what he describes as “fear-mongering” regarding proposed Medicaid reforms. Arrington contends that Jeffries’ warnings about potential harm to vulnerable populations are misleading and detract from efforts to address inefficiencies within the program.
During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Arrington responded to Jeffries’ claims that Republican plans would “end Medicaid as we know it,” leading to widespread harm. Arrington dismissed these assertions, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure the program’s sustainability. He stated, “The question is, will we be susceptible to the fear-mongering and the false rhetoric…?”
Arrington highlighted concerns about waste and fraud within Medicaid, citing a Government Accountability Office report estimating up to $500 billion in improper payments over a decade. He argued that current structures, particularly those expanded under the Affordable Care Act, may inadvertently disadvantage the most vulnerable populations by allocating resources inefficiently.
The House is currently developing a budget reconciliation bill, with discussions ongoing about potential cuts and reforms. President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to preserving Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security benefits, while also emphasizing the need to eliminate fraud and prevent misuse of the system.
Arrington concluded by stressing the importance of seizing the current opportunity to implement meaningful reforms, stating that such a moment “will not happen in my political lifetime again.” He urged Republicans to educate the public on the benefits of proposed changes and to counteract what he perceives as misleading narratives from Democratic leaders.
