Former President Barack Obama is calling on Americans to speak up after the House narrowly passed a sweeping Republican-led reconciliation bill that includes the biggest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history.
In a 215-214 vote, the House advanced the multi-trillion-dollar package, dubbed by some Republicans as the “big, beautiful bill,” that would dramatically slash healthcare coverage, cut education programs, scale back food stamps, and unravel parts of the Affordable Care Act.
And let’s be clear: for millions of Americans, this isn’t just politics, it’s personal.
“Right now, Republicans in Congress are trying to push through a bill that would put millions of Americans at risk of losing their health care,” Obama wrote in a statement posted to X.
The legislation does a lot of things, but gutting Medicaid is at the top of the list. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill would cut $700 billion from the program over the next decade.
It doesn’t stop there. It also:
- Requires Medicaid recipients to report work, school, or volunteer hours to stay enrolled
- Cuts access to Affordable Care Act marketplace plans
- Extends Trump-era tax cuts
- Eliminates Biden’s clean energy initiatives
- Expands funding for immigration enforcement
If it becomes law, an estimated 7.6 million people could lose their Medicaid coverage, and another 4 million could lose ACA coverage.
Right now, Republicans in Congress are trying to push through a bill that would put millions of Americans at risk of losing their health care.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 22, 2025
They want to cut federal funding for Medicaid, take away tax credits that help more people afford coverage, and raise costs for working…
And the kicker? These numbers are based on an earlier version of the bill. The final version moves up the start date for work requirements from 2029 to 2026, meaning even more Americans could lose access sooner than expected.
The former president, whose signature legislative achievement was the Affordable Care Act, didn’t mince words in his response. He called out Congress directly, warning that the consequences of this bill will hit the most vulnerable first.
“That means some of the most vulnerable Americans – families, the elderly, folks with disabilities – won’t be able to get the lifesaving treatment, medication, or care they need,” Obama wrote. “These are people you know.”
Obama urged Americans to take action before the bill hits the Senate floor.
“[L]et your voice be heard and reach out to your senators now to let them know how much this will impact you.”
The bill passed without a single Democratic vote. Even some Republicans weren’t fully on board—Reps. Thomas Massie (KY) and Warren Davidson (OH) voted no, and Rep. Andy Harris (MD) voted “present.” Two others missed the vote altogether.
Still, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) managed to get just enough support after adding last-minute amendments that appeased hardliners demanding faster and deeper cuts.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it’s expected to face intense scrutiny and fierce opposition from Democrats and healthcare advocates.
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