President Trump is convinced momentum is building for passage of the House GOP health care bill after meeting Tuesday with Republican lawmakers, despite persistent opposition from conservative groups, said the White House.
The president encountered “a lot of enthusiasm” and “huge sign of support” at the meeting on Capitol Hill, said White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
Mr. Trump has appeared to have a powerful influence on lawmakers.
“He continues to meet with members and walk away with a very optimistic view of where things are headed,” Mr. Spicer said at the daily White House press briefing.
House Republicans released revisions to the bill Monday night that were designed to win more support from conservatives lawmakers for the legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare.
The amendments included measures to control spending on the Medicaid program for the poor that has been a major sticking point.
Still, conservative groups such as Heritage Action and Club for Growth continued to oppose the legislation, which is scheduled for a House vote Thursday.
“Keep in mind if you are a conservative who has been fighting for repeal and replace, here is your chance,” Mr. Spicer said.
The president wasn’t threatening retaliation against Republicans who vote no, he said, but added that payback likely would come from voters who have been seeking a repeal and replacement of Obamacare for the past seven years.
“They will probably pay a price at home,” Mr. Spicer said.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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