Following an amendment that won the support of two Republican hold-outs on the American Health Care Act (AHCA), House GOP leaders move to consider the AHCA today. This vote will be a defining moment for President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan, to say nothing of the rank-and-file Republicans.
The GOP also is planning to vote on a separate bill that would eliminate AHCA’s exemptions for members of Congress and their staff to avoid Budget Reconciliation issues with the MacArthur Amendment, which was unveiled last week. The latest amendment, from Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), would add $8 billion to $9 billion in funding over five years for high-risk pools aimed at subsidizing more expensive premiums for people with pre-existing conditions. The amendment has persuaded reluctant House Members – including House Freedom Caucus member Billy Long (R-MO) – to switch their votes to support this new version of the bill..
Republicans have a members-only meeting planned for 9 a.m. to talk strategy, and the vote could be as et 1 p.m. Some members want a quick vote and to promptly leave for recess, but the need for arm-twisting and the potential for delays could push the vote itself late into the day.