Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump's agenda bill could defund ‘big abortion’ last month (Getty/Reuters)
The New York Republican, one of only three GOP lawmakers representing districts that Trump lost in 2024, questioned how those groups were being defined and said the language needed to be "looked over," Fox News Digital was also told.
Guthrie assured him that certain considerations were being taken in the language.
Lawler also pointed out that the Hyde Amendment already prevents federal dollars from going towards abortion services, Fox News Digital was told.
His concerns were echoed by another person familiar with House GOP discussions on the matter, who was granted anonymity to speak freely.
That person told Fox News Digital that several moderate Republican lawmakers communicated to House GOP leaders that they could oppose the final bill if that provision was included.
"We're not fighting a new fight on abortion when that's kind of calmed down," the person recalled of the moderates' argument.
Fox News Digital first learned of discussions about the potential measure last week. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., alluded to Republicans' plans in a speech at the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America's gala last month.
Rep. Brett Guthrie chairs the House Energy & Commerce Committee (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
The Energy & Commerce Committee – which has a broad jurisdiction including Medicare, Medicaid, telecommunications, and energy production – was tasked with finding at least $880 billion in spending cuts out of a total $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion.
Guthrie said the bill released late on Sunday evening includes "north of" $900 billion in spending cuts.
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In addition to the measure ending Medicaid funds for large abortion providers, the legislation also finds savings in instilling work requirements for certain able-bodied beneficiaries of Medicaid expansion.
Some Medicaid dollars going toward states that provide taxpayer-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants are also targeted.
It would also repeal certain Biden administration green energy subsidies, including the former White House's electric vehicle mandate.
Fox News Digital reached out to the committee and Lawler's office for comment on the specific measure.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
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