Conservative Think Tank Proposes New Agenda for Republicans
A prominent conservative group, the Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC), is sharing a new plan aimed at guiding Republican lawmakers on their next steps. This memo comes after the party successfully passed a significant legislation package known as Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill.”
EPIC has provided this guidance to key congressional Republicans, suggesting they continue to push for essential reforms in healthcare funding and federal spending. This includes advocating for changes to Medicaid, addressing government pensions, and adopting fiscal strategies that support conservative values, particularly on issues like abortion and gender identity policies.
The initial passing of Trump’s agenda represented a notable achievement for Republican leaders, and EPIC views ongoing reforms as vital for achieving meaningful fiscal responsibility moving forward. They emphasize that despite recent victories, the work to establish a stable economy for all Americans continues.
The memo highlights concerns about the federal government’s financial flexibility, warning that without sufficient fiscal space, officials may struggle to respond effectively in crises like wars or economic downturns.
On Medicaid, the group is recommending a reduction in federal financial support, specifically targeting larger states and Washington, D.C. They call for an end to enhanced Medicaid funding rates for these areas, which has been a contentious topic.
Past reforms have already reduced some Medicaid expansions, particularly those from the Affordable Care Act, which unfortunately included coverage for illegal immigrants. EPIC is advocating for a shift toward encouraging personal and employer-based healthcare solutions instead.
Additionally, the memo calls for more robust reforms within federal agencies, including revising compensation for public sector employees and eliminating student loan forgiveness for government workers.
From a social conservative viewpoint, the memo underscores the need to extend existing bans on taxpayer funding for abortion providers. The original legislation passed restrictions on Medicaid funds, impacting agencies like Planned Parenthood, but these measures were only temporary and require renewal.
EPIC’s memo also suggests enhancing election security and imposing taxes on educational institutions that permit biological males to participate in women’s sports.
Founded by Paul Winfree, a former Trump administration budget policy director, EPIC maintains connections on Capitol Hill to help guide Republican policymaking.
The group aims to utilize a process that allows the governing party to enact substantial policy changes with a simple majority, thereby bypassing the usual higher vote requirement in the Senate.
As Republicans prepare for future legislative efforts, House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed a commitment to these ongoing initiatives, though the specifics of the next bill remain to be determined.
