Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), one of the more moderate members of the Republican Party, cannot support the GOP’s American Health Care Act in its current form because he is concerned that it does not adequately protect people with pre-existing conditions.
So, he is taking matters into his own hands and introducing his own amendment. His measure would add $8 billion over five years to help those with pre-existing conditions afford their premiums, according to The Hill.
Yet, he said it’s more than the money – it’s the principle.
“It's not a question of more money," he told The Hill. "It's a question of protecting those with pre-existing illnesses. More money does not do the trick.”
House Speaker Paul Ryan was supportive of Upton’s amendment and seemed optimistic it would convince more Republicans to get on board. On the conservative side of Congress, the House Freedom Caucus has already endorsed the revised bill – a major victory after the group helped derail the original effort.
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) admitted Wednesday on Fox News, however, that they still don’t have the votes.
“We’re getting closer every day,” he said.