In a recent video hosted with The Young Turks on YouTube, Farron Cousins, with Ring of Fire, spoke with regard to waning Republican support for the American Health Care Act, which has been variously called Trumpcare and Ryancare, noting conservatives backing away from President Donald Trump after a meeting held earlier this week. The meeting was described as an attempt by the president to convince the Republican House members that they "have to support" the new bill. Holding up the president's self-avowed abilities as a salesperson, Mr. Cousins reports that 10 Republican members dropped their support for the bill after the meeting.
The Ring of Fire host stated that no Democratic and only some Republican House members have been permitted to see the AHCA, which has gone through changes, in its current form. The only thing that appears to be certain about the bill is its net "$31 billion tax break for the top one percent."
Cousins observed the environment, with Donald Trump's 37 percent approval rating, and Trump supporters concerned about losing their health care, and speculated that Republicans "don't want to support things that he supports."
Republicans concerned with Trump association
Cousins described the situation as a "lose-lose" one. Trump was said to have threatened Republicans who didn't support the AHCA that they would "lose their seat," but likewise, Republicans with constituents unable to afford health care might also lose their seats.
The ordained minister stated that no "good outcome" was available among possibilities, with the exception of allowing Obamacare to remain, and attempting to "make it better." He professed the belief that Republicans won't allow legislation put into force by a Democratic administration to remain.
The U.S. Senate is currently made up of a 52-48 majority held by Republicans, with the Republicans also holding the balance of power in the House of Representatives, 237-193.
CBS reports that Republicans can lose no more than 21 votes to retain the required 216 votes necessary to pass the AHCA. House Republicans are said to be reluctant to vote for a bill that will likely die in the Senate.
Right only has 204 of 216 votes needed to pass AHCA
With the recent Republicans who have dropped their support for the AHCA, CBS states that the total number has swelled to 33, giving conservatives only 204 votes, 12 short of what is required.
A tie between the parties, 215-215, would result in the bill failing. Three Republican senators, Tom Cotton, Rand Paul, and Mike Lee currently have expressed that they "can’t support the bill as it stands," with four more expressing concerns about the continuation of former President Barack Obama's Medicaid expansion.
