Several Republican lawmakers on Thursday defended their party’s plan to trim federal Medicaid spending and impose tougher work requirements, arguing that able-bodied adults are improperly drawing benefits intended for the disabled and the poor. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the changes would force “35-year-olds sitting at home playing video games” to find jobs, adding that “their mom doesn’t want them sitting in the basement anyway.” Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee echoed the message, describing ineligible recipients as “losers in [their] mama’s basement,” while Iowa’s Rep. Ashley Hinson said Medicaid money “shouldn’t be going to a 29-year-old guy who’s living in his mom’s basement choosing not to work.” The remarks underline Republicans’ strategy as negotiations continue over legislation that would reduce Medicaid rolls by tightening eligibility and mandating employment for non-disabled adults. Democrats have opposed the plan, warning it could strip health coverage from millions, though a vote has not yet been scheduled.