House GOP Divided on Planned Parenthood Defunding, Medicaid Cuts

House Republicans face internal divisions in advancing President Trump's legislative agenda, particularly concerning tax cuts and Medicaid changes, with disagreements threatening party unity. The budget reconciliation process, aimed at passing legislation with a simple Senate majority, presents an opportunity to defund Planned Parenthood, a move supported by pro-life advocates but opposed by some Republicans worried about political backlash in competitive districts. Although federal law restricts taxpayer dollars from funding abortions directly, Planned Parenthood receives significant Medicaid reimbursements, which opponents argue indirectly subsidize abortion services. House Speaker Mike Johnson prioritizes defunding "big abortion" in the reconciliation bill, but a small group of Republicans, including swing-district lawmakers, have blocked cuts to Planned Parenthood funding, surprising President Trump, who was unaware of the opposition until recently. The dispute reflects broader tensions within the GOP between conservatives seeking substantial Medicaid reforms and moderates concerned about the political risks of cutting benefits and defunding Planned Parenthood. Activist groups continue lobbying for defunding measures, but the inclusion of such provisions in the final GOP megabill remains uncertain amid ongoing intraparty disagreements.