Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
One of the House Republicans concerned about Medicaid cuts is pointing to a mostly unspoken truth about the budget process: The Senate still has to weigh in before there's a final deal.
Why it matters: The upper chamber, which is pursuing a much narrower budget plan, could force changes down the line that could lessen the blow of Medicaid cuts.
What they're saying: "It's still very early," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis told reporters Monday night. "There's still going to be a second resolution that will be compromise with the Senate."
Between the lines: The Senate is generally less enthusiastic about Medicaid cuts.
- Centrist Republicans like Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski both voted against Affordable Care Act repeal, including a Medicaid overhaul, in 2017.
- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has expressed some concern about Medicaid cuts as well, along with newer members like Trump-aligned Sen. Josh Hawley.
The bottom line: Both chambers will need to adopt the same budget before the process can move forward, and they are currently very far apart.
- The Senate is still planning to set up two reconciliation bills, while the House wants one big package.
- Still, it's not guaranteed that the Senate will be a moderating force, especially if President Trump weighs in heavily for the House approach.
