Crucial Vote Could Determine Fate of GOP Healthcare Plan

WASHINGTON, DC – A crucial vote in the U.S. House Thursday could determine the fate of the GOP’s plan to repeal and replace Obamacare.

More than 20 Republicans say they won’t vote for the bill.

“We need changes to the underlying bill, before we vote on it in the House,” says Congressman Mark Meadows.

Meadows says he’s still not on board with the bill supported by Speaker Paul Ryan and President Trump.
The Republican’s district includes Burke and Caldwell counties.

“We believe that the best approach is to actually start over and do something that actually lowers premiums,” Meadows says.

There’s a divide in the Republican party between Representatives like Meadows who say the plan doesn’t go far enough and those who want to get something done now.

The current plan offers tax credits for those who need help paying for insurance.

It also keeps key provisions of Obamacare like coverage for pre-existing conditions and allowing children to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26.

“A vote against the bill tomorrow, will be a vote frankly, to continue Obamacare,” says Congressman Robert Pittenger

Pittenger plans to vote yes.

“I think we have good chances. I think logic will prevail and we’ll come together as a conference and we’re going to vote to approve this,” he says.

But critics point to a report from the Congressional Budget Office that says 24 million people could be uninsured within a decade.

“Regardless of what they do there’s a huge political risk,” explains UNC Charlotte Political Science Professor Eric Heberlig.

Heberlig says negotiations will continue down to the last minute.

“If they think they’re close, I think they pull the bill from the floor tomorrow and come back in a couple days once they have some of the details worked out and once they think they have the votes in hand,” he says.