Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., suggested that House Republicans just “pause” healthcare for now and move onto other priorities while the relevant committees work out a full repeal of and replacement for the Affordable Care Act.
“I think that would be an awesome idea,” the House Freedom Caucus member told the Washington Examiner.
Yoho said that after he left a meeting with President Trump Thursday morning. Given the state of GOP leaders’ attempt to thread the needle between winning Freedom Caucus support without losing moderates’ votes, he’s convinced now is not the time for the House to vote on the matter.
“I think the thing to do is repeal it 100 percent,” he said. Republicans are trying to force a construct that fits within the Obamacare structure when really they should just go for a “clean slate,” he said.
If Republicans just went back to the drawing board by repealing the full law and “huddled back up” and try to “work out a path forward,” they could get input from Democrats and stakeholders and come up with a plan that truly “works for the American people,” he said.
Members have been working long hours all week trying to find a compromise and nerves are frayed, Yoho said. The worst thing leaders could do now is ask lawmakers to make a decision while many are “in an emotional state,” he said. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., should hit “pause” and let his conference catch its breath, he said.
