In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a newly-elected U.S. Representative from the state’s northeastern district, Rob Bresnahan, had previously pledged not to support any reductions to essential government benefits like Medicaid, on which many residents depend. Despite his assurances, Bresnahan, a freshman Republican, recently cast a vote in favor of a budget proposal that could potentially lead to such cuts.
Bresnahan, who is joined by two fellow Pennsylvania Republicans, Ryan Mackenzie and veteran legislator Scott Perry, triumphed in one of the country’s fiercely contested states during the elections. This victory contributed not only to the presidential decision but also assisted the GOP in reclaiming the U.S. House alignment.
Currently, Bresnahan, Mackenzie, and Perry are navigating the complex political environment of a split electorate, coinciding with the commencement of President Donald Trump’s second term. This scenario unfolds amidst the president’s bold economic policies, which, among other things, include implementing tariffs on steel and aluminum, cutting federal jobs, reducing federal office space, and advocating for budget legislation. These legislative actions have raised concerns about potential drastic cuts to Medicaid and other vital programs that affect Pennsylvania’s residents.
There is mounting pressure as Mackenzie already faces a Democratic opponent gearing up for the 2026 elections, while conjecture escalates about Bresnahan attracting potential adversaries. Bresnahan finds himself in a delicate position, trying to balance allegiance to the Republican agenda with the needs of his constituents.
Prior to the contentious budget vote, Bresnahan had voiced his opposition to any proposal that would compromise the benefits critical to his community in northeastern Pennsylvania. “These benefits are commitments made to the people, and where I come from, promises are kept,” he asserted.
However, Bresnahan’s subsequent vote supported a Republican framework that calls for $2 trillion in federal spending reductions over a decade. Analysts and Democratic critics argue this will likely result in significant Medicaid cuts, which provides essential health and long-term care to millions nationwide. Bresnahan has justified his vote as a preliminary step for budget discussions rather than a contradiction of his stance.
Bresnahan insists he will advocate for the working families in his district and support President Trump in opposing any severe Medicaid reductions. Trump has maintained he intends only to trim waste and fraud without affecting the core of programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Republican representatives affirm there won’t be direct healthcare cuts affiliated with Medicaid.
In districts like those represented by Mackenzie and Bresnahan, nursing-home operators are closely monitoring the situation. Their areas, still reeling from the decline of once-dominant coal and steel industries, fear severe funding reductions. Concerns prevail over whether there remains hidden waste and fraud in Medicaid to offset any potential cuts.
Mary Kay McMahon, heading a nonprofit managing a nursing facility near Allentown in Mackenzie’s district, highlighted that Medicaid subsidizes a significant portion of skilled nursing care. She fears that diminished funding could force her facility to either divest this service or decrease the number of available beds, leaving vulnerable populations without necessary care.
Jim Brogna from Allied Services Integrated Health Systems, running several nursing homes in Bresnahan’s district, reported meetings with the congressman’s staff urging him to resist cuts affecting Medicaid. He indicated that any funding reductions would directly lead to service cuts.
Local nursing home operators have long petitioned Pennsylvania for increased Medicaid rates to better manage costs, and Brogna described the prospect of losing federal funding as “heartbreaking,” especially as nursing homes are already closing or reducing their capacity.
Bresnahan, despite multiple contact attempts, has not provided an interview to discuss his latest vote. Community members like Chris Chesek, motivated by recent employee layoffs at a national historic site, have taken to organizing protests to emphasize the potential fallout of federal spending cuts. Steamtown, a historic landmark chronicling Scranton’s industrial roots, is under threat from federal budget reductions that have drawn vigorous local opposition.
The editorial board of a Scranton newspaper has been critical of the Trump administration’s sweeping federal budget cuts, an area under Bresnahan’s jurisdiction that employs many federal workers. The looming threat of broad federal employee layoffs is causing anxiety among families reliant on these positions.
As rumors swirl about potential challengers to Bresnahan, Mackenzie, who narrowly ousted a Democratic incumbent, has already encountered competition. Days after his budget vote, Democrat Lamont McClure announced his candidacy against Mackenzie. In response, Mackenzie characterized his support for the budget as merely a “starting point” and reaffirmed commitments to combat any misuse in Medicaid while safeguarding essential benefits.
