AOC Clashes With Republicans During Medicaid Cuts Hearing Impacting Millions

During a late-night House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez clashed with Republican lawmakers over proposed Medicaid work requirements and potential cuts that could impact pregnant women, including those who have experienced miscarriages. Ocasio-Cortez questioned whether there would be exemptions for miscarriages under the GOP's proposal, but was repeatedly interrupted by Rep. Randy Weber, who accused her of directing her remarks to cameras rather than fellow lawmakers. The subcommittee chair, Rep. Buddy Carter, declared her comments out of order, prompting Ocasio-Cortez to accuse Republicans of avoiding accountability for the consequences of their legislation. She refused to yield her time, responding sharply to what she described as disrespectful behavior from male Republicans, and highlighted that millions of Americans, including many in Republican districts, rely on Medicaid. GOP counsel later clarified that exemptions for miscarriage-related coverage would depend on states' postpartum policies, but Democrats remain concerned that strict work requirements could jeopardize coverage for vulnerable populations. The exchange underscored the broader tensions surrounding deep Medicaid cuts proposed in a Republican tax and spending bill affecting millions of low-income Americans.