Morning Roundup: “GOP Scrambles” Edition
So far it appears that the third time is NOT the charm for House Republicans trying to bring TrumpCare to the Floor for a vote. Here’s a look at how things are going:
“Republican efforts to overhaul the nation’s health-care system collided Tuesday with fierce resistance about how it would affect people with preexisting medical conditions, casting the proposal’s future into deeper uncertaintyas GOP leaders scrambled to try to salvage it.”
New York Times: G.O.P. Scrambles as a Crucial Voice Shuns the Latest Health Bill
“With two days left before an 11-day recess and no vote scheduled, House Republican leaders worked on Tuesday to win votes one at a time for their latest bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act after an influential Republican voice on health care came out against the measure.”
“A failure to get the repeal bill to a vote this week would be the third time that Speaker Paul D. Ryan could not rally his considerable House majority around a legislative priority that Republicans have promised for seven years.”
Politico: Outlook for Obamacare repeal turns bleak
“A sense of gloom settled over House Republicans on Tuesday as support for their Obamacare repeal plan seemed to erode even further and members began reckoning with the unthinkable: They may never be able to repeal Obamacare.”
The Hill: GOP bill hung up on pre-existing conditions
“Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) on Tuesday became the latest House Republican to come out against the ObamaCare repeal-and-replace bill, underlining how the legislation is losing support from lawmakers who fear it could hurt people with pre-existing health conditions.”
“Some lawmakers expressed doubts that the healthcare bill would come up for a vote this week despite a push from House leaders to get it to the floor before a one-week recess.”
“I guess all things are possible, but at least right now I don't see that happening,” said Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), who said there are too many “no” votes piling up.
CNN: Republicans still don't have the votes to pass health care bill
“House Speaker Paul Ryan signaled Tuesday that the leadership still does not have the votes to pass the current bill to repeal and replace Obamacare…”
NPR: As House GOP Struggles With A Health Care Bill, Republican Options Narrow
“The House may yet pass its bill to repeal and replace parts of the Affordable Care Act. But Republicans' options to fulfill their seven-year effort to undo the federal health law are getting narrower by the day.”
“‘As of now, they still don't have the votes,’ said Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) as he was leaving a meeting of GOP members Tuesday. King has been heavily lobbied by both sides.”
“The latest snag is over whether people with pre-existing health conditions should have guaranteed access to affordable coverage, as the ACA mandates.”