One of the Republican lawmakers who introduced the GOP healthcare plan says it’s the only way healthcare reform is going to take place and conservatives need to get on board.
Rep. Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, said on Fox News that the idea of a clean repeal and total replacement of the Affordable Care Act isn’t going to happen.
“Have you seen Senate Republicans deliver 60 votes, Democrat votes, for repealing Obamacare and replacement?” he said. There are only 52 Republicans in the Senate, which is why Republicans are pursuing an option that’s short of full repeal under the reconciliation process, because it will only take 51 votes to pass it in the Senate.
“No one shows Democratic support for repeal and replace, so this is the moment to do both,” he added.
Brady touted the bill as returning power to the states, repealing taxes under Obamacare and restoring the free market in health insurance. It does what Republicans have promised voters they would do, he said.
He also associated the plan directly with President Trump, calling it “this Trump plan” and “his plan.”
“No more excuses, no more fiddling around,” he said. “Today, we begin the repeal of Obamacare.”
Brady urged conservative lawmakers who have announced their opposition to the bill, such as the members of the House Freedom Caucus, to come along with GOP leadership in order to get this bill done. He said there would be many opportunities to get their ideas in future legislation.
“These are great ideas, and this is only the first step,” he said. “There are plenty of opportunities to move things forward.”
