Business Insider reports:
Multiple sources told Business Insider that the Thursday vote on the House Republicans healthcare-reform bill would be postponed because party leaders failed to reach an agreement on the bill.
One of the sources, who spoke with multiple Hill Republicans, said the vote on the American Health Care Act — the GOP leadership’s bill to repeal and replace Obamacare — would be pushed to a later date.
The impasse between Republicans came as hardline conservative members of the GOP in the House Freedom Caucus demanded more concessions on repealing parts of Obamacare, while moderate Republicans balked at those aggressive changes.
After meeting with President Trump on Thursday, House Freedom Caucus chairman Mark Meadows said that there was no deal agreed to and that the GOP did not have enough votes to pass the bill.
One of Business Insider’s sources said the breakdown was over the Freedom Caucus’ desire to repeal essential health benefits — part of Obamacare that mandated insurers cover basic health procedures such as prenatal care and preventive health services.
Reportedly, the Freedom Caucus wanted this to be repealed and even pushed for a repeal of the ACA’s provisions preventing insurers from denying patients based on a preexisting condition.
Contra White House statement, there is NO vote set for Friday on AHCA, per GOP sources. "We're still talking to members," said GOP aide.
— John Bresnahan (@BresPolitico) March 23, 2017
For all his efforts at dealmaking, President Trump couldn't secure enough votes to pass the American Health Care Act in the House tonight https://t.co/OZ8xIQYOfI
— NPR (@NPR) March 23, 2017
Rep. Mark Meadows: “I am still a no at this time. I am desperately trying to get to yes” https://t.co/cQi0OGdJGY
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) March 23, 2017