President Donald Trump this week issued a warning to lawmakers to favor the American Health Care Act or potentially lose their political jobs, The New York Times reports.
The warning came during a recent private meeting with House Republicans in Washington, D.C. During the meeting, the president said many of the lawmakers face losing their seats in 2018 if the ACA repeal and replace effort is unsuccessful, according to the report.
"I'm going to come after you," President Trump told Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus, which has raised a number of concerns about the AHCA, the report states, citing "several people in the room who described his comments on the condition of anonymity." "I believe Mark and his group will come along, because honestly, a loss is not acceptable, folks."
President Trump also said Republicans were duty bound to support the AHCA, especially after their long support for repealing the current health law, attendees told The New York Times. He said Republican lawmakers would no longer have a majority if they "blow it."
Still, it remains uncertain whether the AHCA can pass if it goes for a full House vote Thursday as expected. As of Wednesday morning, there were still not enough firm Republican "yes" votes to pass the bill, according to The Washington Post. The report states as of Wednesday, two dozen Republican House members have said they will oppose the AHCA or are leaning toward opposition, and 25 House members have expressed serious concerns about the legislation. If there is no AHCA support from Democrats, Republicans can only lose 22 votes in the House for it to pass that chamber, according to the report. The legislation would then be taken up in the Senate.
The Washington Post notes Thursday's scheduled vote could be closer if there are changes in the proposed bill that win over House lawmakers who were leaning toward opposition.
More articles on leadership:
Dr. Mary Norine Walsh tapped to lead American College of Cardiology: 6 things to know
Word from the C-suite: 'We must continue to innovate' amid potential changes to US healthcare
Why use interim healthcare leaders?