The Briefing Room
General Category => Politics/Government => Topic started by: corbe on March 24, 2017, 08:46:42 pm
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Trump Blames Democrats as Major Push to Repeal Health Law Fails
By ROBERT PEAR, JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS, JENNIFER STEINHAUER and THOMAS KAPLAN
MARCH 24, 2017
WASHINGTON — House Republican leaders, facing a revolt among conservatives and moderates in their ranks, pulled legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act from consideration on the House floor Friday afternoon in a spectacular defeat for President Trump on the first legislative showdown of his presidency.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan conceded, “We’re going to be living with Obamacare for the foreseeable future.”
Mr. Ryan had rushed to the White House shortly after noon to tell Mr. Trump he did not have the votes for a repeal bill that had been promised for seven years — since the day President Barack Obama signed his landmark health care act into law.
Mr. Trump, in a telephone interview moments after the bill was pulled, blamed Democrats and predicted that they would seek a deal within a year, he asserted, after “Obamacare explodes” because of high premiums.
He expressed weariness with the fight.
“The best thing that could happen is exactly what happened — watch,” he said. “It’s enough already.”
But the effort to win passage had been relentless — and hardly hidden. Vice President Mike Pence and Tom Price, the health secretary, rushed to Capitol Hill for a late appeal to House conservatives, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
“You can’t pretend and say this is a win for us,” said Representative Mark Walker, Republican of North Carolina, who conceded it was a “good moment” for Democrats.
“Probably that champagne that wasn’t popped back in November may be utilized this evening,” he said.
At 3:30 p.m., Mr. Ryan called Republicans into a closed-door meeting to deliver the news that the bill would be pulled, with no plans to try again. The meeting lasted five minutes.
“We’re going to go home and spend time with our families and time with our constituents, and one day I hope we can eventually repeal,” said Representative Chuck Fleischmann, Republican of Tennessee.
The Republican bill would have replaced the Affordable Care Act, known informally as Obamacare, which mandated that almost everyone have health insurance, with a system of age-based tax credits to purchase health insurance plans.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan walked in the Capitol on Friday after a vote on the rules for debating the American Health Care Act, the bill to replace the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare. Credit Gabriella Demczuk for The New York Times
But it never won over conservatives who wanted a far more thorough eradication of the Affordable Care Act. Nor did it have the backing of more moderate Republicans who were anxiously aware of the Congressional Budget Office’s assessment that the bill would leave 24 million more Americans without insurance.
With the House’s most hard-line conservatives holding fast against it, the bill’s support collapsed Friday after more rank-and-file Republicans came out in opposition, including Representatives Rodney Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, the soft-spoken chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and Barbara Comstock of Virginia, whose suburban Washington district went handily for the Democrat presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, in November.
<..snip..>
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/us/politics/health-care-affordable-care-act.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/24/us/politics/health-care-affordable-care-act.html)
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Trump is right but the democrats that killed it all have Rs behind their names!
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I like this strategy, when in doubt blame the democrats, you can't go wrong there and he doesn't need to be peeing on the Freedom Caucus, they're already mad.
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Publicly blame the dems. Works for me. Enough stupid people in the country who will believe it.
Besides, it's quid pro quo for those democrat finger-pointers.
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I like this strategy, when in doubt blame the democrats, you can't go wrong there and he doesn't need to be peeing on the Freedom Caucus, they're already mad.
It's just Trump playing his usual game: "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna..... it's somebody else's fault."
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Why does the title of every article on this topic contain the word "repeal"?
One almost thinks it might not be a coincidence.
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I think the bill was designed so Trump could look like he was doing something, then when it failed, Trump would have others to blame. He can always say he tried to keep his promises, but someone else was to blame when his promises weren't kept.
The real intent is to transition to government run health care. Both parties are salivating over the possibility of playing god with our lives.
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Why does the title of every article on this topic contain the word "repeal"?
One almost thinks it might not be a coincidence.
That's a good point @InHeavenThereIsNoBeer what is the agenda, here?
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And so ObamaCare will continue. And for that we can thank the Freedom Caucus and their unreasonable demands.
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And so ObamaCare will continue. And for that we can thank the Freedom Caucus and their unreasonable demands.
NO! @Jazzhead obamacare will die on it's own (sooner rather than later) and the House/Trump will be forced to negotiate a better deal with the Conservatives in both Chambers, that's what we elected them to do.
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It's just Trump playing his usual game: "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna..... it's somebody else's fault."
As in "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna.... Get elected President?"
This issue isn't finished.
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As in "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna.... Get elected President?"
This issue isn't finished.
Except that Trump was running for king, and is discovering that it doesn't work that way.
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Right, Trump plays good cop and blames the Democrats, while Bannon played both ends to get Ryan.
Breitbart:
https://twitter.com/mattdpearce/status/845380491964379136 (https://twitter.com/mattdpearce/status/845380491964379136)
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NO! @Jazzhead obamacare will die on it's own (sooner rather than later) and the House/Trump will be forced to negotiate a better deal with the Conservatives in both Chambers, that's what we elected them to do.
They can always go join the no labels party where making deals, getting along and bashing conservatives are what its all about.
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And so ObamaCare will continue. And for that we can thank the Freedom Caucus and their unreasonable demands.
@Jazzhead
You mean the guys who actually did what they promised? What 83% of the people wanted? Those guys?
While you're attempting to lay the blame on them, you better save a big slice for the two dozen moderates who jumped ship to oppose the bill.
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Publicly blame the dems. Works for me. Enough stupid people in the country who will believe it.
Besides, it's quid pro quo for those democrat finger-pointers.
Except the dems had nothing to do with it other than to be smart enough to stay out of the way while trump and the republicans imploded
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As in "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna.... Get elected President?"
This issue isn't finished.
No, as in the Representatives that were elected by the people are not gonna allow Ryan and Trump to I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna shove another Cr@p sandwich down the throat of America. Obamacare lite is still Obamacare, do it right, that's what the election was about. No the issue isn't finished, but this iteration of feces is. I know, Trump is gonna have every one who didn't bow too his will primaried out right? Well the Presidency is no more allowable a dicktatorship under Trump as it was under Obama.
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Right, Trump plays good cop and blames the Democrats, while Bannon played both ends to get Ryan.
Breitbart:
https://twitter.com/mattdpearce/status/845380491964379136 (https://twitter.com/mattdpearce/status/845380491964379136)
I refuse to believe this monstrosity was all Ryan's fault, he had plenty of help and guidance along the way from the Trump Administration. IMHO
Who does Bannon want as Ryan's Replacement, Ivana?
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It's just Trump playing his usual game: "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna..... it's somebody else's fault."
We have moved from Bill Clinton'a, "The buck didn't get here" to
Donald Trump's "There was a buck"???
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I refuse to believe this monstrosity was all Ryan's fault, he had plenty of help and guidance along the way from the Trump Administration. IMHO
Who does Bannon want as Ryan's Replacement, Ivana?
@corbe
Frighteningly enough, I wouldn't doubt it.
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No, as in the Representatives that were elected by the people are not gonna allow Ryan and Trump to I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna shove another Cr@p sandwich down the throat of America. Obamacare lite is still Obamacare, do it right, that's what the election was about.
Just to point out -- due in part, though certainly not entirely, to those principled individuals, Obamacare is still Obamacare and now stands to be so for some time.
So, tell me: does that mean that the election really about getting nothing instead of something? The thing they campaigned against, is the thing their actions have helped to perpetuate. Do you want to call that "victory?"
Let's agree that the replacement bill was a bad one, probably because a) it was done too fast, and b) done all in one piece rather than piecemeal. There are a lot of reasons for it being done that way, I suppose... but it sure didn't work.
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Trump may be blaming democrats (somewhat), but everyone else (flurry of recent headlines across the political spectrum) are all blaming RYAN, he should have known better than to dance with the devil.
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NO! @Jazzhead obamacare will die on it's own (sooner rather than later) and the House/Trump will be forced to negotiate a better deal with the Conservatives in both Chambers, that's what we elected them to do.
:amen: :beer:
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Trump may be blaming democrats (somewhat), but everyone else (flurry of recent headlines across the political spectrum) are all blaming RYAN, he should have known better than to dance with the devil.
Yep.
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NO! @Jazzhead obamacare will die on it's own (sooner rather than later) and the House/Trump will be forced to negotiate a better deal with the Conservatives in both Chambers, that's what we elected them to do.
THIS. Exactly the correct analysis.
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No it wont. Trump will have the IRS not enforce the mandate. And the insurance will be on their own, because congress does not have to fund the growing subsidies , ala the Rubio Rule.
No coverage will offered in the exchanges....
Just to point out -- due in part, though certainly not entirely, to those principled individuals, Obamacare is still Obamacare and now stands to be so for some time.
So, tell me: does that mean that the election really about getting nothing instead of something? The thing they campaigned against, is the thing their actions have helped to perpetuate. Do you want to call that "victory?"
Let's agree that the replacement bill was a bad one, probably because a) it was done too fast, and b) done all in one piece rather than piecemeal. There are a lot of reasons for it being done that way, I suppose... but it sure didn't work.
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No it wont. Trump will have the IRS not enforce the mandate. And the insurance will be on their own, because congress does not have to fund the growing subsidies , ala the Rubio Rule.
No coverage will offered in the exchanges....
I'm not sure I understand your comment.
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I'm not sure I understand your comment.
Corbe has the accurate analysis. Rubio put in legislation to cap funding for the 'moral hazard' and 'adverse selection' that is going on in Obama Care. Trump will put in so many waivers that insurance companies will not have to follow all the mandated coverage options in OC. It will be hollowed out from a funding , compliance and regulatory standpoint.
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Corbe has the accurate analysis. Rubio put in legislation to cap funding for the 'moral hazard' and 'adverse selection' that is going on in Obama Care. Trump will put in so many waivers that insurance companies will not have to follow all the mandated coverage options in OC. It will be hollowed out from a funding , compliance and regulatory standpoint.
Good point @LonestarDream I was unaware of Rubio's pending legislation. Trump has already instructed the IRS to forgo any fees/penalties related to OC, that alone is the beginning of the end, IMHO
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I like this strategy, when in doubt blame the democrats, .../
I heard the President do more than blame the democrats. I heard him open the door to working with them in the next round of negotiations -- because repealing and replacing Obamacare just won't happen with Republicans alone.
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Trump is right but the democrats that killed it all have Rs behind their names!
There should have been nothing too kill. Everyone, and that includes the white house was in too big a hurry. The first hundred days chock full of small victories like the pipe line, and EPA downsizing would have been just fine. There was plenty of time to put together a sensible replacement bill that both the far right and the moderates could find common ground. There was enough evidence right here on TBR that conservatives were split on the bill. And explain to the public in detail what it would mean to them.Get them on your side. Then and only then build a strategy for passing it.
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I heard the President do more than blame the democrats. I heard him open the door to working with them in the next round of negotiations -- because repealing and replacing Obamacare just won't happen with Republicans alone.
I read that @Right_in_Virginia and that scares the bejebees out of me, but hey, what can I do except sit here at my keyboard and whine and moan?
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I read that @Right_in_Virginia and that scares the bejebees out of me, but hey, what can I do except sit here at my keyboard and whine and moan?
It is uncharted territory for sure @corbe I'm not sure what alliances will form going forward .... but it sure is interesting to watch.
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There should have been nothing too kill. Everyone, and that includes the white house was in too big a hurry. The first hundred days chock full of small victories like the pipe line, and EPA downsizing would have been just fine.
You're right. But if the strategy was to get an early big win as crucial to cementing Trump's legitimacy, then those won't do.
There was plenty of time to put together a sensible replacement bill that both the far right and the moderates could find common ground. There was enough evidence right here on TBR that conservatives were split on the bill. And explain to the public in detail what it would mean to them.Get them on your side. Then and only then build a strategy for passing it.
The part about TBR is an excellent observation -- I hadn't really thought about it in that way.
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Chuck Schumer
✔ @SenSchumer
Ultimately the #Trumpcare bill failed because of two traits that have plagued the Trump presidency: incompetence & broken promises.
4:18 PM - 24 Mar 2017
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Republican House Republican Senate Republican President.
Pretty clear cut who is at fault continuing the status quo.
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If conservatives and moderates were against it, then those who supported it were.... :shrug:
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NO! @Jazzhead obamacare will die on it's own (sooner rather than later) and the House/Trump will be forced to negotiate a better deal with the Conservatives in both Chambers, that's what we elected them to do.
@corbe
Theoretically, yes it will.
Provided the federal government doesn't prop it up. The federal government has the ability to borrow and the Federal Reserve can print all the money we need
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It's just Trump playing his usual game: "I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna..... it's somebody else's fault."
@r9etb
@mystery-ak
@CatherineofAragon
You are correct. Remember (and I saw him/heard him say this) he said he had never asked God for forgiveness because he had "never done anything to ask forgiveness for." If one thinks one is perfect in God's eyes, then one is perfect in this world so anything that goes wrong has to/must be, someone else's fault. I don't know about you, but I have never met anyone who thought he/she was totally perfect, never made a mistake. This strange man is president.
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Right, Trump plays good cop and blames the Democrats, while Bannon played both ends to get Ryan.
@CatherineofAragon
@mystery-ak
Remember, Trump will try to crush anyone who at any time said anything against him and he won't stop until he does it. Ryan did not support Trump during the campaign, and Trump will crush him and use Bannon to help him do it.
We don't have a functioning government now - we have one man, Trump, who will keep chaos going every day for four years - it has been chaos every day since he took office. That is the way he has lived his whole life and it isn't going to change. Eventually, as the chaos keeps going, his people will finally get it and not be able to keep supporting him. I now think he won't be elected for another term.
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@corbe
Theoretically, yes it will.
Provided the federal government doesn't prop it up. The federal government has the ability to borrow and the Federal Reserve can print all the money we need
That is true as long as some are willing to buy this debt. It is not everlasting, and the piper must be paid at some point.
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If conservatives and moderates were against it, then those who supported it were.... :shrug:
the libs were 100% against it as well. Should be nobody left to vote.
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I like this strategy, when in doubt blame the democrats, you can't go wrong there and he doesn't need to be peeing on the Freedom Caucus, they're already mad.
Agreed. It sounded great hearing it on the radio. How refreshing to hear someone posing as a Republican spin it that way.
Trump's point is that Obamacare is collapsing, Republicans were trying to save it, and that Democrats did nothing to help. I am not at all keen on saving Obamacare, but the spin was spot on.
In the end, we may get a better bill, and get rid of Paul Ryan at the same time. If there was ever need for a groundswell of support for Alan West as Speaker, it is now.
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Republican House Republican Senate Republican President.
Pretty clear cut who is at fault continuing the status quo.
The Freedom Caucus cost conservatives their best shot at addressing the Medicaid expansion through block grants to the states. That was the real stealth conservative reform at the heat of the AHCA - the first attempt ever to change a big federal entitlement program from a defined benefit to a defined contribution model.
The Medicaid expansion will remain, and the ObamaCare subsidies will remain. Congrats, Freedom Caucus, you did good.
As for the individual and employer mandates, it is not acceptable for Trump merely to "not enforce" these taxes. I can't counsel my client to dismantle its reporting apparatus on that basis. Employers cannot simply ignore the law. The mandates must be repealed.
I think they can, although Trump's message should be at this point to move on to general tax reform. But as part of tax reform, I'd think it might be possible to simply repeal the mandates in exchange for allowing insurance companies to punish free riders with higher rates, while keeping the rest of the ACA intact.
That will have some interesting consequences. First and foremost, small to medium-sized employers will be freed of the regulatory and reporting burdens of the mandate, and can start hiring again. The subsidies will remain in place for comprehensive individual policies that cover the range of "essential benefits" required by the ACA, but the end of the individual mandate should allow insurers to market more stripped down products that can be purchased by consumers without penalty. Can a robust free market develop for such products?
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The Freedom Caucus cost conservatives their best shot at addressing the Medicaid expansion through block grants to the states. That was the real stealth conservative reform at the heat of the AHCA - the first attempt ever to change a big federal entitlement program from a defined benefit to a defined contribution model.
Not entirely true. The Freedom Caucus were fewer than 30 swing votes, necessary for passage because a lot of other Republicans weren't going to vote for the bill, either. The bill itself was flawed for a lot of reasons, and its rollout was very poorly done.
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Not entirely true. The Freedom Caucus were fewer than 30 swing votes, necessary for passage because a lot of other Republicans weren't going to vote for the bill, either. The bill itself was flawed for a lot of reasons, and its rollout was very poorly done.
Louie Gohmert claims that there were going to be more no votes from non caucus members than from caucus members.
Meanwhile Trump inexplicably attacks moderates like Paul Ryan and and his list of conservative targets is growing.
(http://i.imgur.com/aX9oqmt.png)
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We don't have a functioning government now - we have one man, Trump, who will keep chaos going every day for four years - it has been chaos every day since he took office. That is the way he has lived his whole life and it isn't going to change. Eventually, as the chaos keeps going, his people will finally get it and not be able to keep supporting him. I now think he won't be elected for another term.
Trump is not the reason for a non-functioning government. The GOP controls Congress; it can pass anything it can get its caucus to agree on, but conservatives won't support party leadership. Trump now needs to find a different coalition. Remember, he's not especially ideological - he wants results.
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Trump is not the reason for a non-functioning government. The GOP controls Congress; it can pass anything it can get its caucus to agree on, but conservatives won't support party leadership. Trump now needs to find a different coalition. Remember, he's not especially ideological - he wants results.
Agree @Jazzhead
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Rience Priebus and Paul Ryan are a POX on Trump's presidency but HE cannot see that!
I've seen the movie before under G.W. Bush when Karl Rove and Karen Hughes took him down the primrose path to defeat!
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Rience Priebus and Paul Ryan are a POX on Trump's presidency but HE cannot see that!
The irony here is that Cruz was the one falsely labeled as an Establishment hack, while Trump has been in bed with Priebus and McConnell the entire time.
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The irony here is that Cruz was the one falsely labeled as an Establishment hack, while Trump has been in bed with Priebus and McConnell the entire time.
Amazing isn't it?
Trump turned on Cruz and attacked him for honestly calling Mitch McConnell a liar and then turned around and hired the establishment chairman as his chief of staff. (Not to mention hiring a half dozen Goldman Sachs employees)