‘Pass healthcare bill or seal your fate’

Washington, March 21: President Donald Trump and House leaders revved up pressure Wednesday on balky conservatives and other Republican lawmakers as crunch time approaches on the party’s health care overhaul bill, a drive GOP leaders concede they can’t afford to lose.

A day before the House planned votes on the measure, Trump and top Republicans continued hunting support for what would be a significant achievement for his young presidency. But underscoring the bill’s uncertain fate, a senior administration official said that 20 to 25 House Republicans remained opposed or undecided. That’s a grave figure since united Democratic opposition means the measure crashes if 22 GOP lawmakers vote “no”.

“Big day for health care. Working hard!” Trump tweeted Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Trump told House Republicans at a private meeting “a loss is not acceptable, folks.” He warned they’d face widespread defeats in next year’s elections and possible loss of control of the chamber if the measure failed. With a smile he told Rep. Mark Meadows, a leading conservative opponent of the measure, “I’m gonna come after you so hard.”

Trump’s remarks and the White House nose count of votes were each described by Republicans who provided inside information on condition of anonymity.

House Speaker Paul Ryan also painted a gloomy picture for Republicans if they flop after vowing to demolish former President Barack Obama’s health care law that the GOP has assailed since its enactment in 2010. “If we don’t keep our promise, it will be very hard to manage this,” the speaker said Tuesday.

Trump’s message to Republicans: “If you don’t pass the bill there could be political costs,” said Rep. Walter Jones. — AP