Rep. Mike Thompson of St. Helena says hundreds of health care workers could lose jobs, meaning tens of thousands of lower-income people would lose access to care.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren—whose district includes Silicon Valley—said Thursday in a conference call with reporters that many of the cuts will hit "those who can least afford it."
House Republicans want to make sweeping cuts in spending for the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30. The bill is separate from President Barack Obama's 2012 budget unveiled on Monday.
The Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to give the House bill a chilly reception next month.