Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) recently discussed the so-called "big beautiful bill" on Fox and Friends First, saying it could be ready by Memorial Day. Still, Republicans must take control of the messaging.
"We are getting really close to the end," Rep. Haridopolos said, "Our number one goal is to make sure no tax increases at a very challenging time economically. We want to make sure we preserve Social Security [and] Medicare, and we are going to preserve Medicaid for those people who are truly in need."
Host Todd Piro asked what cuts were necessary to reduce spending and how "there are going to be some sacred cows that even Republicans have to give up." As a result, he inquired about his colleagues' willingness to sacrifice.
"I think we are going to move towards a long-term balanced budget. I like how we are thinking long-term instead of short-term," Rep. Haridopolos answered, adding, "One of the issues we are going to attack, of course, is the issue of Medicaid for people who are truly qualified, meaning if you are in a nursing home if you are disabled if you are a pregnant woman, you are going to continue to get those Medicaid advantages. What we are not going to do is allow illegal aliens to get Medicaid."
Piro further noted that Democrats will attempt to frame everything as a malevolent cut, asking the Florida Congressman how Republicans can win control of the narrative.
Haridopolos said the answer lay in demonstrating how "The job of Medicaid is to help those people truly in need. If you continue to get people who are illegal aliens, you are undercutting those people who are in need."
"I think we need to look beyond bumper stickers and say, 'Medicaid is there to help people. It is not there to just give away things at the expense of others.' I think we are going to find the balance," the Florida Congressman continued.
Finally, Piro asked if finishing the "big beautiful bill" by Memorial Day was feasible, which Haridopolos affirmed, saying, "The House has done the work. We have done our homework. We showed how we are willing to make these changes. We need to do it because the economy right now is a bit stalled because we are not offering certainty and stability. We need to do it with taxes and our budget and get this long-term plan in place. I think we will do really well because we are straightforward and we are transparent. That is why the bill is important."
