GOP leaders can afford only 22 defections, given that one Democrat is expected to be absent Thursday. ), as well as Michael Cannon of the conservative Cato Institute — their opposition to the bill had solidified. In an email, House Ways and Means Committee spokeswoman Lauren Aronson said the issue would be fixed in subsequent legislation. Passing a health-care measure is key to unlocking momentum for the president’s other legislative priorities such as tax reform and infrastructure spending. Going into the White House meeting, Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.) described himself as “a strong lean no,” citing a variety of concerns.

Source: Washington Post March 22, 2017 12:05 UTC