House Democrats Seek Floor Vote to Block Medicaid, SNAP Cuts via Discharge Petition

22 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated May 6, 2025, 07:24 PM

House Democrats on 6 May filed a discharge petition aimed at forcing a floor vote on the "Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act," an effort to block anticipated Republican cuts to the two largest federal safety-net programs.

The petition was formally submitted by Rep. Brendan Boyle, the ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee, and is backed by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone. If all 213 Democrats sign on, the maneuver would still require at least five Republicans to reach the 218 signatures needed to bypass the majority leadership and compel a vote.

Democrats acted as the Republican majority prepares reconciliation legislation under recently adopted budget instructions that call for substantial reductions in Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Party leaders argue those cuts would strip health coverage and food aid from millions of low-income Americans.

In a parallel move, Republican Representatives Zach Nunn of Iowa, Don Bacon of Nebraska and Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin introduced a point-of-order resolution opposing any reconciliation measures that reduce Medicaid or SNAP benefits—a stance at odds with their earlier votes for the budget framework authorizing such cuts.

Procedural hurdles mean discharge petitions rarely succeed, and political observers have characterized the Democratic initiative as a long shot. Nevertheless, the filing puts pressure on moderate Republicans whose districts rely heavily on the two programs and highlights the intraparty debate over the scope of federal safety-net spending.

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Congressman Greg Casar

@RepCasar

83 million Americans get healthcare through Medicaid. Every single one is at risk because Republicans want to cut health care to pay for billionaire tax cuts.

Rep. Debbie Dingell

@RepDebDingell

I’m fighting to protect Medicaid and food assistance for the people in my district who count on these programs to meet their basic needs. That’s why I signed a discharge petition to force an up-or-down vote on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act. https://t.co/M9eh6Fu9ol

Congresswoman Deborah Ross

@RepDeborahRoss

I signed on to a discharge petition to protect Medicaid and SNAP from Republican attacks. We just need a few Republicans to join us, and we can protect our people. https://t.co/igPTo4IgMc