In a high-stakes closed-door huddle with Republican lawmakers late Thursday, White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney essentially issued an ultimatum from Trump after House Republican leaders postponed the vote amid the realization it would not pass without key changes. “The president has said he wants a vote tomorrow, up or down,” House Republican Chris Collins told reporters, paraphrasing Mulvaney’s remarks. “If it doesn’t pass, we’re moving beyond health care,” he added by paraphrase, in a threat to lawmakers in Trump’s own Republican Party. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a champion of the legislation dubbed the American Health Care Act, put on a brave face despite the bill’s hanging by a thread. Midnight oilWith White House negotiations unable to provide the necessary breakthrough, nighttime debate between party factions is likely to be intense as they seek an elusive compromise.

Source: Manila Times March 24, 2017 02:03 UTC