Politics

The Biggest Takeaways From Sean Spicer’s Press Briefing Just Now

Kaitlan Collins Contributor
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WASHINGTON — Sean Spicer was peppered with questions about the proposed Republican health care bill at the White House Friday. Here are the highlights from what the press secretary said.

(Photo: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)

On if Donald Trump is still confident the American Health Care Act can pass

“He left everything on the field,” Spicer said. “The president and his team have committed everything they can to making it happen.”

On the president’s meeting with Paul Ryan on if they have enough votes

Spicer said the speaker joined the president for lunch, and that the two were discussing a way to move forward with the bill.

“I think the speaker is currently having a conversation to talk about where that vote count stands. At this point, it’s not a point of negotiating anymore. It’s understanding the greater good that’s at hand. There’s no question in my mind that the president has left everything on the field here.”

Spicer said he expects a vote at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

On if the White House approves of the way Ryan has handled the bill thus far

“I think the Speaker has done everything he can. He’s worked really closely with the president. At the end of the day, you can’t force people to vote.”

On if the president is done with health care entirely if this bill fails

“We are going to continue to work as late as we can to get votes. The president made it clear last night — this is it. He has a lot left on the agenda…There’s so many other things that he wants to get done.”

“It’s ultimately them that have to go down on the floor and vote.”

On why Republican leaders won’t pull the bill if they know they don’t have the votes

“I understand your question,” Spicer said, “but I’m not going to reveal our strategy.”