Congressman Brett Guthrie, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, published an op-ed in the Courier Journal outlining his support for the recently enacted “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” The legislation was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. Guthrie explained that the bill aims to provide tax relief for Kentucky families, secure the border, invest in military readiness, promote American energy production, and strengthen Medicaid.
Guthrie stated: “Earlier this year, President Trump tasked Congress with developing a bill that enacts his domestic policy agenda and kickstarts the American economy.
“This piece of legislation, known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, was signed into law by the president on July 4, 2025. It accomplished its goal of providing tax relief for Kentucky families, securing our border, investing in our military readiness, unleashing American energy and strengthening Medicaid for our most vulnerable Americans.”
He described his role as committee chairman during negotiations over cost savings: “In Congress, I am honored to serve as the chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. At the onset of the work on the One Big, Beautiful Bill, we were tasked with finding $880 billion in savings from our committee’s jurisdiction.
“The final version of the One Big, Beautiful Bill includes over $1 trillion in savings from my committee’s jurisdiction. To accomplish this, we worked to eliminate reckless Green New Deal environmental regulations, promote American energy dominance and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within the Medicaid program.”
Addressing criticism from opponents who claim that Kentucky families will be harmed by changes to Medicaid under this bill, Guthrie said: “As you may have seen in the news over the past few weeks, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have spread misinformation about this bill, claiming that it is a disaster for Kentucky families. That’s simply untrue.
“Let’s take a moment to address a few of the false narratives that have been spread to scare the American people.”
He responded specifically to concerns about access to health care: “Allegation: Single mothers, children, seniors and people with disabilities will lose access to health care.
“Truth: The Medicaid provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill ensure our most vulnerable Americans continue receiving the support they need. It strengthens the program by removing deceased recipients from the Medicaid rolls, requiring states to conduct more frequent eligibility checks for the expansion population, ensuring that individuals are not enrolled in multiple states and enacting commonsense work requirements for able-bodied Americans who choose not to work. Additionally, our bill expands access to Home and Community Based Services for low-income seniors and individuals living with a disability.”
On claims regarding work requirements as a means to reduce enrollment unfairly among beneficiaries who do not work or volunteer: “Allegation: Work requirements are a ‘ruse’ to force people off Medicaid.
“Truth: According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, there are 4.8 million able-bodied adults currently on Medicaid who choose not to work. A survey showed this population spends roughly 184 hours a month watching television and socializing- that’s 50% higher than employed beneficiaries.
“Our bill enacts basic work requirements to require individuals to be employed, participate in job training, go to school or volunteer in their communities for just 20 hours per week to receive Medicaid. Notably,the One Big Beautiful Bill exempts people aged under 19 or over 65,pregnant women ,tribal members ,caregivers of children and seniors with disabilities,and parents with dependents under 15.I believe most people would agree it’s appropriate to expect able-bodied ,unemployed adults on Medicaid,to work or give back,to their communities,to receive fully subsidized health insurance.”
Guthrie noted strong state-level support for similar policies:“Kentuckians’ support for these policies is strong ,as this year,the Kentucky General Assembly voted overwhelmingly,to overturn Gov.Andy Beshear’s veto,and institute,a similar state-level work requirement.”
Regarding rural hospitals,Guthrie disputed reports about closures:“Allegation :Over 35 Kentucky hospitals are at risk of closing as a direct result of this bill .
“Truth :The allegation that 35 rural hospitals will close is a blatant mischaracterization at best .This number stems from a list of hospitals that generally receive high levels of Medicaid funding or experienced three consecutive years of negative total profit margin .
“This claim fails,to mention,the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program created by,the bill,to support rural health providers care for their patients .This will bolster funding for our most vulnerable hospitals,and allow them,to keep serving their communities .”
He argued that reforms are needed due rising costs.“Spending,in,the Medicaid program continues,to chart an unsustainable path,growing at twice,the rate of inflation between 2018,and 2023.If not addressed,the program will no longer have,the capacity,to serve its intended purpose.In order,to preserve,this safety net for generations,to come ,Republicans have committed ,to policies ,that empower states ,to care ,for our most vulnerable Americans — pregnant women ,children ,individuals living with,a disability,and low-income seniors .”
Guthrie concluded,“The One Big Beautiful Bill is,a commonsense win ,that strengthens Medicaid ,for Kentucky’s most vulnerable,and I’m proud ,to have supported its passage.”
