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EXCLUSIVE – A nursing home employee and lifelong Republican, who voted for President Donald Trump, is sounding the alarm for House GOP lawmakers to safeguard Medicaid. He appears in a new multimillion-dollar ad campaign from the pro-Democratic group Protect Our Care as part of its “Hands off Medicaid” initiative.
The ad campaign, which carries a hefty $2 million price tag, is set to appear across television, radio, and digital platforms. It specifically targets ten House Republicans facing potentially competitive re-election bids next year as the GOP works to maintain its slim majority. This advertisement rollout comes amid heightened accusations from congressional Democrats alleging that Republicans are attempting to undermine Medicaid and Medicare funding.
This advertisement blitz launches at a critical time; the House is preparing to vote on a continuing resolution that is essential for funding the federal government and preventing a government shutdown that could furlough tens of thousands of federal employees.
In the ad, a certified nurse practitioner named John B., who cares for seniors at a nursing facility, shares, “I look after seniors here at the nursing home. Most of them pay for it through Medicaid. If Congress goes through with these significant cuts, some of our residents will probably have to leave, and most will have nowhere else to go.” His heartfelt message underscores the potential human cost of budgetary decisions.
John, who appears on camera wearing a red “Make America Great Again” cap, firmly states, “I’m a Republican. I voted for Donald Trump. But Medicaid should not be a political issue. Cutting it will hurt all of us.” He directly addresses the targeted House Republican, emphasizing, “We’re all counting on you to stop these cuts to Medicaid.” The sincerity of his message aims to resonate with constituents and legislators alike.
Protect Our Care states that this advertising effort will feature districts represented by several House Republicans, including David Schweikert from Arizona, David Valadao and Young Kim from California, and Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, and Mike Lawler from New York. This strategic targeting underscores the group’s commitment to influencing key legislative votes through public awareness initiatives.
House Democrats maintain that the GOP’s funding bill fails to protect crucial programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, raising serious concerns about the implications of proposed budget cuts.
Brad Woodhouse, president of Protect Our Care, has accused Republicans in Congress of turning their backs on constituents by proposing cuts to Medicaid. He stated, “Republican lawmakers need to meet their constituents and voters like John face-to-face to defend this indefensible plan. Americans across the political spectrum are counting on Republicans to abandon these harmful cuts and do the right thing regarding Medicaid.” His statements reflect a broader sentiment among Democrats that protecting these programs is crucial for American families.
The Protect Our Care initiative, known for its advocacy of the Affordable Care Act, continues to spotlight potential cuts to Medicaid. Woodhouse, a seasoned Democratic strategist, has a history of leading influential groups aimed at progressive healthcare reform. This year, his organization is ramping up efforts as part of a broader $10 million campaign targeted at preserving Medicaid funding.
As congressional Republicans explore ways to mitigate the massive national budget deficit and implement Trump’s domestic policy agenda, some have suggested reforming Medicaid, the nearly 60-year-old program designed to provide health insurance to low-income adults and children. However, GOP leaders have consistently insisted they do not seek significant cuts to the program, aiming to clarify their position in the face of Democratic criticism.
A senior House GOP aide recently addressed these concerns, alleging that House Democrats are intentionally misleading the public about Republican intentions regarding Medicaid. This statement reflects the ongoing tension between the two parties as they negotiate government funding amid the pressure of looming deadlines.
While President Trump has actively encouraged House Republicans to unify in support of the government spending plan, he has frequently reiterated his commitment to protecting Medicaid. His administration issued an email recently with the subject line reading, “President Trump Will Always Protect Social Security, Medicare,” further emphasizing his stance on safeguarding vital social programs.
Despite these assurances, President Trump has also left open the possibility of addressing “waste, fraud, and abuse” in government spending, a theme that has gained traction among GOP lawmakers. This approach suggests that while Medicaid remains a crucial priority, there may be discussions about its efficiency in the future.
As the political landscape evolves, both parties are poised to engage in fierce debates over healthcare funding and the allocation of government resources. The outcome of these discussions will ultimately affect millions of Americans who rely on programs like Medicaid for their health and well-being.
Fox News contributor, Elizabeth Elkind, contributed to this report.
