Cruz Just Made Surprising Prediction About GOP’s New Obamacare Replacement Bill – It’s Turning Heads
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Wednesday that although the House healthcare bill is all but dead in its current form, repealing and replacing Obamacare is very much alive.
Sen. Ted Cruz says he has concerns about the new health care bill released by House GOP leaders: https://t.co/Q8fCsgzVkw pic.twitter.com/2OL83rhAvj
— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) March 9, 2017
“The current draft in the House is a draft about which I have significant concerns,” Cruz said. “As drafted, I do not believe this bill would pass the United States Senate. But I am encouraged and optimistic that we can resolve these differences.”
Cruz spoke prior to a White House dinner he characterized as “social,” in which he and his wife, Heidi, would dine with President Donald Trump and the first lady.
The House plan to overhaul Obamacare has been under almost constant criticism since it was unveiled Monday, with critics from both the left and right finding pieces that need revision.
In a call with reporters, Cruz indicated that the bill was now undergoing a process that will ultimately strengthen the final product.
“I’m glad that the House of Representatives has introduced their legislation to repeal Obamacare,” he said.
“President Trump tweeted that this bill was now open for negotiation, and I think that is exactly right. There are vigorous debates that are ongoing here about what the contours of this legislation should be,” he said.
Cruz, who has refrained from making extensive comments on the proposal, said his goal is to complete the task that House Republicans have begun.
“My focus is on rolling up my sleeves and working hard to improve this legislation,” he said.
There is not nearly enough in the House bill to drive down the cost of premiums,” he said. “I [also] believe there [are] significant challenges with the Medicaid expansion provision.”
Cruz wants to make Medicaid a block grant to states to reduce federal oversight on how that money is spent.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said that the process will produce a product.
“I know Sen. Cruz and other members want to get to yes because they understand the importance of the promises we made and the consequences of not keeping those promises,” Cornyn said. “Everybody’s being given an opportunity to make suggestions or participate.”
What do you think? Scroll down to comment below.
Source: Western Journalism