Lack of votes forces Trump to pull plug on healthcare bill

World Today

AHCA

In the first test of his ability to make good on a key campaign promise, U.S. President Donald Trump blinked.

Rather than witness the defeat of his bill to repeal and replace the nation’s healthcare plan, Trump called off the vote. He admits the bill failed by 10 to 15 votes – from his own political party.

CGTN’s White House Correspondent Jessica Stone explains how the Trump administration plans to move forward. 

“I’m disappointed. These people are my friends,” Trump said. “I’m a little surprised, to be honest with you. It was here within grasp.”

President Trump won the White House promising to repeal the national healthcare plan known as Obamacare. So, what does this stunning defeat mean for the rest of his agenda?

Trump now plans to turn his attention to tax reform. But Trump’s promised tax cuts were only affordable with the savings in the healthcare measure. The House Speaker admits this will make tax reform more difficult but not impossible.

“This is a setback no two ways about it.” Paul Ryan said. “But, it’s not the end of the story because I know that every man and woman in this conference is now motivated more than ever to step up our game.”  

It was House Speaker Paul Ryan’s job to coax victory out of Republican Party holdouts. Now, the promise which won Trump the White House and a majority in the U.S. government — is still a promise – unkept.


Political Analyst Eleanor Clift insight on whyTrump’s healthcare bill failed

Political Analyst Eleanor Clift offers insight over whyTrump’s healthcare bill failed.