Conservative House Republicans said Monday night that they have enough votes to block the GOP’s legislation to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, as House leaders proposed changes to the bill in a late effort to draw support.
Rep. Mark Meadows (R., N.C.), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers, said more than 21 members opposed the bill, enough to block passage should House leaders hold the vote as expected on Thursday and all Democrats hold firm in opposing the legislation.
Meadows spoke after a meeting of House Freedom Caucus, which has 30 to 40 members. By sticking together, the group could force House leaders to alter the bill further to suit conservatives who believe it doesn’t go far enough to repeal elements of the Affordable Care Act.
Meadow’s vote count couldn’t be verified, but additions to the bill unveiled by House leaders on Monday suggested that they were still working to round up votes to ensure passage.
President Donald Trump prepared to intensify his lobbying effort, with an appearance scheduled for Tuesday morning at the weekly, closed-door meeting of House Republicans. It will be Trump’s first huddle with all House Republicans since his inauguration.