The conservative House Freedom Caucus is not satisfied with the GOP’s newly released health care plan. At a press conference on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the representatives disclosed how they plan to respond.
“You have to get rid of Obamacare completely,” Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) said. The legislation released on Monday does not satisfy that condition.
“The leadership plan is Obamacare in a different form,” Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) said, agreeing with his colleague.
Instead of going along with the Republican leadership’s plan, Jordan noted that he will reintroduce the bill every Republican voted for last year: the bill that completely repeals Obamacare. Then, he will introduce separate legislation to replace with a “market centered” model that will bring down premiums.
The House bill was a “missed opportunity” and “a step in the wrong direction,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) said.
The White House, however, has praised and defended the GOP's new legislation - although HHS Secretary Tom Price did note it is a work in progress. After meeting with Republicans at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said he is "proud" to support their replacement plan.