Republican Study Committee (RSC) members appear encouraged that a middle ground could be reached on the House GOP’s Obamacare repeal bill following a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence Wednesday.
The group, which is the largest conservative caucus on Capitol Hill, has expressed concerns about a number of provisions in the leadership-backed legislation — namely its language on Medicaid and tax credits.
Pence, however, assured them the administration is open to supporting changes in the bill, according to RSC Chairman Mark Walker.
“I will tell you I’m as hopeful as I’ve been in the entire process,” he told reporters following the meeting. “The vice president came out today and said we’re want to let you know that House conservatives you guys are the RSC, the Republican Study Committee your concerns have been heard.”
Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk echoed Walker’s sentiments, saying he’s appreciative of the efforts being made to ensure it is an open process, adding he believes the group is getting closer to being a yes on the bill.
“This is our opportunity in reality regardless of how you look at this,” he told reporters. “Reconciliation is the best opportunity we have to repeal the majority of the old of Obamacare start a replacement program and realize this is the multi-phase process is going to take a little bit of time.“
The group is pushing for a work requirement for able-bodied Medicaid recipients and for the timeline to roll back Medicaid expansion to be moved up.
According to Loudermilk, the amendments the RSC supported that were tabled in committee last week will likely resurface.
“You could possibly will see a manager’s amendment on the floor maybe a structured rule, maybe an open going to the floor — but this thing is by far not a done deal at this point,” he said.
While a number of moderate members have voiced their concerns over the RSC’s call to make the bill more conservative, Walker said he is hopeful they can strike a compromise.
“I believe there’s still enough middle ground enough breathing space that it keeps everybody on board in the asks that we have made,” he said. “Maybe not all the different groups with what they’re asking, but I believe as far as our ask, I believe that even the more moderate members, specifically the Tuesday group would be able to get there as well.“
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