House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled his Obamacare repeal bill from the floor a day after President Donald Trump had threatened to walk away from health care reform if he didn't get a vote.
After a dramatic day on Capitol Hill Friday, Ryan rushed from the White House to Capitol Hill to tell Trump he did not have the votes to pass the measure, the culmination of seven years of Republican efforts to eradicate President Barack Obama's proudest domestic achievement.
Two senior administration officials said the decision to pull the bill was Ryan's.
The decision meant that for now, at least, Obamacare will remain in place until Republicans can come up with some plan that can overcome deep intra-party divisions about how to kill it.
Lawmakers from Tennessee reacted to the decision Friday afternoon.
Democratic Representative Jim Cooper released the following statement:
“I’m glad the House didn’t pass this bad bill and hurt people who need health care. I think the energy from people back home, including thousands of Tennesseans, made the difference. Obamacare isn’t perfect. But we should work together to fix the law and make it better for everyone. It will take courage and political will from both parties. I hope Congress is up to the task because voters are watching.”
Republican Congressman Diane Black released the following statement:
“I’m disappointed that we were not able to move forward with today’s vote as the American Health Care Act was a good first step to repealing Obamacare and creating a patient-centered health care system. It’s critical that Republicans come together on this issue to find real solutions because Obamacare is doing serious damage to the people of my district. I remain committed to repealing Obamacare and pushing for solutions that lower costs, increase access, and put patients back in charge of their health care."
Also speaking out about the bill being withdrawn was Republican Congressman Marsha Blackburn:
“President Trump and Speaker Ryan made the decision today to pull the American Health Care Act from consideration, but our hard work is not over. We will continue talking with our colleagues and hearing feedback from our constituents to be certain any legislation we put forth in the future reflects the conservative principles of a patient centered marketplace, which is our goal for healthcare delivery and insurance reform.”
Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais gave the following statement on Friday:
“Obamacare has cost the country jobs and quality health care. Tennessee has experienced the worst, and since 2010 I’ve fought for repeal. As currently written, however, the American Health Care Act keeps many of the same policies, responsible for high premiums, which would continue to rise. While we made important changes to solve the problem of Obamacare, more are necessary, and I appreciate the President’s commitment to reform that empowers patients and protects taxpayers. The process, though difficult, has clarified what we must do to lower health care costs, expand access, cut taxes and reduce spending. To get it right, we’re ready to work even harder.”
Before the vote was canceled, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Friday afternoon that Trump has "left everything on the field when it comes to this bill."
Read More: Obamacare will be 'law of the land for the forseeable future' according to Ryan
But Republicans had few firm commitments from conservatives and watched a continued exodus of moderates. This was exactly what House leadership was worried would happen when they changed the bill, a source said.
Friday afternoon, moderate Republicans and members of the conservative Freedom Caucus indicated they won't back the bill.
