Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, spoke at a Committee on Rules hearing regarding H.R. 498, known as the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act. In his prepared statement, Guthrie outlined the committee’s recent efforts to address issues within the Medicaid program.
Guthrie thanked Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member McGovern for the opportunity to testify. He highlighted that members of the Energy and Commerce Committee have been working to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid through previous legislation such as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
He stated that these actions are aimed at ensuring a stable financial future for Medicaid and maintaining its support for vulnerable groups including expectant mothers, children, low-income seniors, and people with disabilities.
“Even with all of the important work we have accomplished this Congress, there is still more to be done,” Guthrie said.
He emphasized the responsibility of Congress to make sure taxpayer funds are used effectively: “Americans work hard to make a living, and it’s our obligation as members of Congress to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support care that is truly necessary in improving the health of Americans.”
Guthrie explained that H.R. 498 would prohibit federal Medicaid funding from being used for certain gender transition procedures for individuals under 18 years old. According to Guthrie, “While CBO estimates that this bill would save taxpayers $445 million over a decade, I want to make it abundantly clear that this legislation does not prevent minors from accessing medical care that they truly need.”
He clarified further: “It simply prohibits the use of federal Medicaid funding on specified gender transition procedures that are medically unnecessary.”
Guthrie concluded by noting that this measure continues efforts begun with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to help sustain Medicaid for those most in need. “This legislation builds upon our work done in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to create a more sustainable financial future for Medicaid and preserve the program for those who truly need it.”
