More House conservatives are embracing a deal to partially repeal and replace Obamacare, placing heavy pressure on wary Republican centrists to support the compromise legislation as early as this week.
The conservative House Freedom Caucus announced Wednesday that it would support a version of the American Health Care Act that includes a deal that lets states opt out of key insurance requirements. House Republican leaders have not ruled out a vote on the bill this week, but it is not clear where centrists stand.
While the amendment authored by centrist Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-N.J., brought enough members of the House Freedom Caucus, which has 35 to 40 members, it hasn't led to a full-scale revolt from centrists. However, it hasn't converted any centrists who had previously said "no" to a "yes" vote, either.
Republicans need 217 votes to pass the legislation. That means the GOP leadership will be turning up the heat on centrists to get them on board.
Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., a member of the centrist Tuesday Group composed of about 50 lawmakers, said he has spoken with several colleagues about their concerns.
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05.05.2024