Pallone Warns of Devastating Health Care Cuts in Republicans’ Scheme to Fund Billionaire Tax Breaks

PERTH AMBOY, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, visited Central Jersey Medical Center today to sound the alarm on President Trump’s and House Republicans’ plan to slash Medicaid funding—jeopardizing the health care of 1.7 million New Jerseyans and Community Health Centers (CHCs), hospitals, and nursing homes across New Jersey in order to bankroll massive tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations.

“I saw up close today how Central Jersey Medical Center provides essential care—whether it’s preventive services, dental care, or managing chronic conditions—and I know what’s at stake if these cuts go through,” Pallone said. “House Republicans want to gut Medicaid to hand billionaires and corporations another tax break, and the consequences will be devastating. This isn’t about ‘fiscal responsibility’—it’s about ripping health care away from seniors in nursing homes, children, and people with disabilities. Slashing Medicaid would shut down health centers like this one, gut hospitals, and overwhelm emergency rooms. It’s immoral, and I’ll fight it every step of the way. New Jerseyans deserve better—I won’t let them rip away your health care just so Elon Musk can buy another rocket."

Last week, the House Budget Committee approved a budget resolution including at least $880 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next ten years.  These cuts would gut health care coverage for millions while handing giveaways to the ultra-rich. They would also cripple facilities like Central Jersey Medical Center, which provides essential primary, dental, and preventive care to thousands of working-class and low-income people in Perth Amboy and surrounding communities.  

House Republicans are hoping to bring the budget resolution up for a vote of the full House as early as next week.  

What’s at Stake for New Jersey?

New Jersey’s 24 Community Health Centers provide care at 136 locations statewide, ensuring that nearly two million residents—including Medicaid patients, the uninsured, and underserved communities—have access to doctors, nurses, and preventive care. Medicaid currently covers 1.7 million New Jerseyans, including children, pregnant women, seniors in long-term care, and individuals with disabilities.

Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts would destabilize New Jersey’s health care system, pushing more patients into already-strained emergency rooms, increasing uncompensated care costs, and driving up insurance premiums for everyone. Republican proposals, such as so-called “per capita caps” would shift costs onto states – forcing New Jersey to slash services, limit eligibility, and cut provider payments.    

The drastic cuts to CHC funding would threaten the viability of health centers like Central Jersey Medical Center, which could be forced to close or severely limit services.  

Pallone’s visit to Central Jersey Medical Center was attended by doctors, patients, and local leaders, all of whom echoed Pallone’s concerns about the devastating impact of the new Republicans’ tax scheme.

"The Arc of New Jersey is grateful for Congressman Pallone’s unwavering commitment to protecting the Medicaid program. And that is exactly what we need from all members of Congress. Medicaid is the lifeline program for thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in New Jersey. Any cuts to funding or changes to benefits will absolutely mean a reduction in services, longer wait times for support and a diminished quality of life for those with IDD. We cannot allow a dismantling of Medicaid as it will have a devastating and crushing impact on the state’s most vulnerable,” Sharon Levine, Senior Director, The Arc of NJ 

“Advocates for Children of New Jersey has been a longtime advocate for NJ FamilyCare, which now covers nearly 20% of all residents living in the Garden State. This includes more than 820,000 children, ages from birth to 18-years-old and covers about a third of all births annually. Children from poor and low-income families, youth aging out of foster care, and individuals with complex and long-term medical needs rely on this critical health insurance. Any cuts or changes to federal Medicaid funding will have a substantial impact on their health and well-being,” Mary Coogan, President and CEO, Advocates for Children of NJ 

"CJMC delivers evidence-based, high-quality care to all New Jersey residents, regardless of their insurance status or their ability to pay. By providing high quality primary care and behavioral health services, CJMC will improve health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs,” Dr. Cynthia Vuittonet.

"Too many New Jerseyans are already struggling to pay for groceries, housing, and medical bills," said Maura Collinsgru, Director of Policy and Advocacy for New Jersey Citizen Action. "Gutting Medicaid funding will cut essential health services for millions, including pregnant women, people with disabilities, low-income families with children, and seniors in nursing homes. It's inhumane to consider making these cuts so that billionaires and huge corporations can get another tax break. We urge all our Representatives to stand with Congressman Pallone against any efforts to defund Medicaid."

Pallone’s Role in Defending Health Care

As Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and CHC funding, Pallone is a critical last line of defense against Republican attacks on health care access. He has led efforts to protect Medicaid funding, defend Americans’ health care coverage, and expand support for Community Health Centers.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to soon take up elements of the Republican reconciliation plan, including deep Medicaid cuts. Pallone has vowed to lead the fight against these attacks.  He is committed to protecting the 70 million Americans on Medicaid and ensuring that Community Health Centers and hospitals are not sacrificed for tax breaks for Trump’s billionaire friends.