House GOP leaders adjust health care proposal

WASHINGTON — House GOP leaders seeking to change the narrative on the health care talks announced plans to tweak their proposal on Thursday before members leave for a twoweek recess, a move they touted as “progress.”

But they acknowledged it does not ready the legislation for a vote.

Speaker Paul D. Ryan moved up his weekly news conference a few hours on Thursday to announce the amendment, which would create a high-risk pool that Republicans say would help insurers cover costs of individuals with pre-existing conditions and keep premiums lower for healthy individuals. The amendment passed the House Rules Committee, 9-2, early Thursday afternoon.

“We have more work to do, and those conversations continue to take place and they really show promise,” Ryan said at his news conference. “But this amendment alone is real progress and it will help us build momentum for delivering on our pledge to the country.”

The quick action was unnecessary given that the bill still lacks the required support to pass. It’s unclear if the change will move any of the previously declared “no” votes to a “yes.”

But leadership wanted to leave for the break with the impression that Republicans are still capable of fulfilling their campaign promise to repeal and replace the 2010 health care law.

“I think they wanted to leave probably with a sense of optimism that things are back on track and that they’re moving in the right direction,” Rules Committee member Tom Cole said when asked why the panel didn’t just take up the amendment when they return from recess. “I think that’s the wise thing to do. I’m hopeful that this is a good sign.”

Members from across the conference did indeed characterize the amendment as a positive.

“It doesn’t complete the task, but it’s a good step in the right direction,” House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows said.

Tuesday Group co-chairman Tom MacArthur said he didn’t know if the amendment would win any votes on its own.

“I don’t think it loses any,” he said. “More importantly it’s a good idea. It’s a good idea that helps people, so it belongs in the bill.”