Latino GOP Leaders Plead With Trump Administration to Limit Cutting of Social Programs: 'Slashing Medicaid Would Have Serious Consequences'

Latino Republican lawmakers are urging the Trump administration shows limits some of its proposed budget cuts, warning that reductions to essential social programs like Medicaid, food assistance, and Pell Grants could severely harm millions of Americans—particularly in their constituencies.

The Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC), a group of Republican Latino lawmakers, penned a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, with chairman Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) saying that while the GOP's efforts to reduce wasteful spending are necessary, slashing vital support programs would be a step too far.

"While we fully support efforts to rein in wasteful spending and deliver on President Trump's agenda, we mustn't slash programs that support American communities across our nation, nor underfund critical programs necessary to secure the border and keep our communities safe," Gonzales wrote in his letter.

The letter, co-signed by CHC Vice Chairs Monica de la Cruz (R-Texas), Juan Ciscomani (R-Arizona), and five other Republican lawmakers, directly challenges the House Budget Committee's proposal to cut $880 billion in funding for social programs, including Medicaid and food assistance.

Gonzales and his CHC colleagues are taking an unusually public stance against the party line.

At the center of the debate is Medicaid, which covers nearly 34% of Hispanic Americans and serves as a critical safety net for rural hospitals and nursing homes.

"Slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities where hospitals and nursing homes are already struggling to keep their doors open," Gonzales warned.

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce is also considering $330 billion in cuts that would directly impact Pell Grants, a crucial federal program that 82% of full-time Latino college students rely on.

"If we are serious about empowering the next generation and strengthening our workforce, we must facilitate, and not undermine, opportunities that help students succeed," Gonzales added.

Another sticking point is the proposed $230 billion reduction to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, a program that disproportionately serves low-income Hispanic families, single mothers, and seniors.

CHC leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to border security—a key Republican priority—but insisted that any budget negotiations must balance enforcement with support for communities.

Their letter urges the GOP to increase funding for:

• Border security personnel and additional officers.
• Completion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
• Ending the quick release of migrants apprehended at the border.
• More federal resources for local police and sheriff's offices affected by immigration surges.