President Donald Trump had pointed words for the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) Friday morning, calling out the group of pro-life lawmakers for allowing Planned Parenthood “to continue if they stop this plan.”
The irony is that the Freedom Caucus, which is very pro-life and against Planned Parenthood, allows P.P. to continue if they stop this plan!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2017
It is unclear if House Republicans can whip up the necessary votes to pass the American Health Care Act (AHCA) Friday. The president, who demanded a vote Friday, warned wary conservative lawmakers that federal funding would continue to go towards Planned Parenthood if the GOP health care legislation fails.
HFC, comprised of 40 conservative lawmakers, has characterized the GOP healthcare plan as “Obamacare-lite,” and demanded additional changes to the bill. (RELATED: GOP Congressman On Health Care Vote: ‘Hell No’)
HFC Chairman, Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, remained a “no” when he spoke to reporters Thursday evening.
A vote could take place Friday afternoon, and the White House is prepared to move on to other priorities if the deal does fall through. While the president may be prepared to “move on,” a failure to pass the GOP plan could discredit House Speaker Paul Ryan’s leadership.
House Republican leadership is hoping to garner the support of the HFC without losing too many moderate Republicans, who are concerned about their reelection prospects if they support a plan that is deeply unpopular back home.
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