UPDATING: Trump Suffers Major Defeat in First Attempt to Repeal ObamaCare as Speaker Postpones Vote
White House Today Said Vote Would Take Place and Bill Would Pass
In a major defeat for President Donald Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan has just postponed the vote on the American Health Care Act, the Republican attempt to repeal and “replace” ObamaCare. Despite Trump’s efforts, including meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in the White House, Republicans simply could not find enough votes to pass the bill.
The bill in its current form could be re-scheduled for Friday, or the House could rework the bill and present it again at a later date.
Sean Spicer around 1:45 PM Thursday:
Q: Is there a backup plan if the health bill doesn’t pass tonight?
Spicer: “No. It’s gonna pass. So that’s it.†pic.twitter.com/fUo8BBnBPU
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) March 23, 2017
UPDATE: 3:51 PM EDT –
MSNBC reports White House deputy spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders claims that “for scheduling reasons” debate on the bill will begin Thursday night and the vote will take place Friday morning.Â
That is all questionable.
UPDATE II: 3:56 PM EDT –
Rep. Mark Meadows, Chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, disputes WH claim. Says votes not there yet. Calls Thursday vote an “artificial deadline.”
Admits 30-40 Republicans still opposed.
UPDATE III: 4:04 PM EDT –
Here’s some video of Rep. Meadows just now:
Rep. Mark Meadows: “We have not gotten enough of our members to get to yes at this point†on the health care bill https://t.co/g93RHXQhX9
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) March 23, 2017
More to come.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.Â

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