House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday signaled Republican lawmakers could back a proposal by Sen. Susan Collins to couple tax reform legislation with a bill to replenish Obamacare’s premium-reducing subsidies.
“She’s put some very constructive, productive solutions on the table,” Ryan, R-Wis., said. “Our members are looking at the same kinds of solutions.”
Ryan also signaled support for a provision in the Senate bill that repeals Obamacare’s individual mandate by eliminating the fine for those who do not purchase health insurance plans.
“We think the mandate … should be repealed,” Ryan said. “In doing that, that is going to invite a new conversation about how we fix health care. And that’s all productive.”
The mandate repeal and separate vote on the subsidies are considered a possible sticking point between the House and Senate. The House bill does not include the mandate repeal and some Republicans don’t want health care combined with tax reform.
