Where Philly-area representatives stand on the health-care bill
The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.
Hours ahead of the planned showdown vote, it remains unclear whether GOP leaders have enough support to pass the long-promised bill, which is backed by President Trump. The measure had been expected to be brought to the House floor Thursday, but last-minute negotiations were continuing into the afternoon, with no final deal yet in place.
One local Republican – Rep. Patrick Meehan, whose district mostly covers Delaware County – has yet to decide whether he would support his party's long-promised plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. The stance of another local GOP representative, Ryan Costello of Chester County, remains unclear. Like Meehan, Costello supported the bill in committee but has not committed to voting for the final measure.
Here's a look at where representatives from the Philadelphia region stand on the measure:
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D, Pa.): No
Rep. Bob Brady (D, Pa.): Expected no
Rep. Ryan Costello (R, Pa.): Unclear (voted for the bill in committee; has not said how he would vote for the final measure)
"I voted in favor of reporting the American Health Care Act out of the Energy and Commerce Committee because I believe it is the appropriate framework through which to rein in healthcare costs and improve our healthcare system," Costello said in a statement.
Rep. Dwight Evans (D, Pa.): No
"We have seen real numbers, heard countless success stories and have hard facts to prove the ACA provides quality, affordable health insurance to millions of Americans," Evans said in a statement. "Now, is not the time to repeal and replace a law that is working with a plan that will cost Americans more money for less coverage."
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, Pa.): No
"I have many concerns with this bill, and first among them is the impact on the single most important issue plaguing Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and the issue that I have made my priority in Congress: opioid abuse prevention, treatment and recover," Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R, N.J.): No
"Simply put, this bill does not meet the standards of what was promised; it is not as good as or better than what we currently have," LoBiondo said in a statement. "Accordingly, I will vote no on this healthcare plan."
Rep. Tom MacArthur (R, N.J.): Yes
"Not everything in this bill is perfect, but this is what compromise looks like," he told Patch. "I still feel we could have done this in a better way."
Rep. Patrick Meehan (R, Pa.): Undecided
"Congressman Meehan continues to review the legislation, listen to his constituents and talk with his colleagues," his office said in a statement on Wednesday.
Rep. Donald Norcross (D, N.J.): Expected no
The contentious bill is backed by President Trump but has lost the support of many moderate Republicans, leaving its fate in doubt. Other GOP representatives from Pennsylvania and New Jersey who have denounced the health plan include Rep. Charlie Dent, a moderate Republican who represents the Allentown area, Rep. Chris Smith, who represents central New Jersey, and North Jersey Rep. Leonard Lance.
The bill would significantly affect health coverage nationwide and fulfill a years-long Republican promise to kill the Affordable Care Act.
Last-minute wrangling between House leaders and the conservative Freedom Caucus remained underway as the bill headed toward a vote.
Some Freedom Caucus members want not only to eliminate ACA mandates requiring plans to cover benefits like mental-health care, prescription drugs and preventative care but also popular provisions like the requirement for insurers to cover people with preexisting conditions.
Other late changes meant to garner conservative support would give states the options of a fixed Medicaid block grant and imposing work requirements.
The bill's GOP supporters say it would give consumers and insurance companies more flexibility and loosen federal regulations.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget office has estimated that 24 million people would lose insurance over the next decade under the plan, and that older people could see big increases in health-care costs.
If the bill passes the House, its future in the Senate is also up in the air. Republicans hold a 52-48 advantage in that chamber, and some GOP senators have expressed reservations about the measure.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Rep. Ryan Costello's stance. He voted for the bill in committee but has not announced a decision on the final measure.