WASHINGTON – The White House and House Republicans are continuing focus on replacing ObamaCare regardless of the embarrassing failure last week to pass through a brand new healthcare bill.
House Republicans huddled Tuesday for the first time since having to pull their GOP healthcare plan Friday for any insufficient votes. Leadership pledged to fulfill their campaign offers to undo ObamaCare and warned Democrats their joy will be short-lived.
“Their celebration is premature,” House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) said. “Because I believe we're closer today to repealing ObamaCare than we've ever been before, surely even closer than i was Friday. We're going to keep working. This issue isn't going away.”
President Trump issued an ultimatum to House Republicans Thursday night: pass his bill otherwise he'd move ahead and leave ObamaCare in position.
But dads and moms since the bill was pulled, he and Speaker Paul Ryan have spoken “several times” regarding how to move ahead, said White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
Trump has been increasingly critical from the conservative House Freedom Caucus and it has said he’s ready to work with Democrats.
“If we can find a means forward, we’ll get it done,” Spicer said Tuesday.
He said the White House had about “205, 207” or “maybe 210” votes, and the question still remains ways to get to the expected 218 votes needed for passage without turning a “very good bill” right into a “bad deal.”
Spicer said making additions to win votes is balanced exercise.
“Are you able to add more folks on without pushing additional folks off?,” he asked. “And just what you have to add to the bill, does it allow it to be stronger or does it not?”
