Republicans Stall Trump’s Bill, Say Waiting Until 2029 to Kick People Off Medicaid Is “Too Generous”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Republicans derailed President Donald Trump’s massive tax-cut-and-slash package Friday—not because the bill gutted Medicaid and food aid, but because it didn’t do it fast enough.

The hard-right Freedom Caucus declared the proposal’s 2029 timeline for imposing Medicaid work requirements “far too generous,” demanding millions of low-income Americans lose coverage sooner to “really teach them responsibility.”

“Why are we letting people coast on health care for four more years?” asked Texas Republican Chip Roy. “All the deadbeats getting free health care need to go and get a job…”

The legislation, which extends Trump-era tax cuts while slashing health care and food aid, failed after conservatives demanded deeper cuts and faster timelines, even as Democrats opposed the bill entirely.

Democrats condemned the maneuver as proof the GOP’s internal fights have nothing to do with protecting Americans and everything to do with how quickly they can dismantle their safety nets.

Budget talks are set to resume Sunday, with Republicans reportedly hoping to find a “compromise” that still leaves millions uninsured—just on a slightly more aggressive schedule.