Donald Trump pushes House Republicans to support healthcare bill

World Today

U.S. President Donald Trump faces his first major legislative test this week. The House of Representatives is due to vote on a health care reform bill.

But, as CGTN’s Jessica Stones reports, Trump’s Republican Party isn’t unified on it.

Two weeks ago, U.S. President Donald Trump started up what the White House has called his “sell” mode, trying to get lawmakers to pass his healthcare plan. It’s the first test of whether he can actually get congressional approval on a major campaign pledge: repealing and replacing the national healthcare law, known as Obamacare.

Trump has twisted arms at the White House. Now he’s trying to close the deal on Capitol Hill. “There are gonna be adjustments made but I think we will get the vote on Thursday,” said President Trump. House Republicans need 216 votes to pass the bill. They can only afford to lose 21 votes.

But many members of Trump’s own party think the bill is too expensive. “There’s still not enough votes to pass this particular bill,” Rep. Mark Meadows, R-NC said.

On Tuesday, Trump put the hard squeeze on them, promising to campaign for those who vote for his legislation. The president needs a win. His Gallup approval rating has hit a record low of 37 percent. That rating is much lower than the last five U.S. presidents at the same point in their presidencies.

Passing this healthcare law makes room for other Trump campaign promises: like tax reform and investing in infrastructure. “He knocked the cover off the ball and explained to our members how it’s important to unify,” Rep. Paul Ryan, R-WI, speaker for the U.S. House of Representatives said. The Senate is due to vote on the healthcare bill next week. That battle is even tighter.