Steve Scalise: Republicans should stay in town until health care reform is done

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise said Wednesday that Republicans should stay in Washington until they get health care reform done.

“I think we ought to stay until we get it done,” the Louisiana Republican said on Fox News.

“We’re moving closer to getting the number we need to pass the bill and that number is 216,” Mr. Scalise said. “I think you’re going to see some real positive developments this morning over at the White House.”

Mr. Scalise said Reps. Fred Upton and Billy Long’s meeting at the White House Wednesday will continue to make progress to the bill. The two House members want to introduce an amendment that aims at further protecting those with pre-existing conditions.

“Fred Upton, who was former chairman of the energy and commerce committee, which is where the bill went through, as well as Billy Long, who has been a longtime supporter of President Trump, had some issues with the bill that we’ve been working with them on,” he said.

Mr. Scalise also said the president and the White House have been working directly with House members to pass this bill, but they’re still not at the point where they can call a vote.

“President Trump has been directly involved in helping us get this bill across the finish line,” he said. “We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting closer every day.”