President Trump on Tuesday called on House lawmakers to pass a controversial bill to repeal and replace Obamacare, and warned GOP members, “you will lose your seats in 2018 if you don’t get this done.”
In an hour-long meeting with the House GOP, Trump received several standing ovations but issued stern warning to Republicans that their majority would be in jeopardy if they fail to pass the bill. He reminded them that they campaigned on the promise to repeal and replace Obamacare and now is their chance.
“This majority won’t last long if you blow it,” Trump said, according to a source in the room. “And I don’t care if the press prints that.”
Trump made a personal appeal to Republicans, singling out House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who is a top opponent to the bill.
“I believe Mark and his group will come along,” Trump said. “Because honestly, a loss is not acceptable, folks.”
He told Meadows, “you can blame me,” adding, “I’m going to come after you.”
Lawmakers in the room laughed. Trump added, “I hope Mark will be with us in the end.”
Trump, before leaving, told lawmakers not to just aim for a simple majority of the House.
“The higher the vote the better.”
