Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Even Backers Call Bill 'Highly Imperfect' But See It As A Jumping Off Point
The Washington Post: Republicans Didn’t Like Their Health-Care Bill But Voted For It Anyway
Republicans pushed a health-care bill through the House Thursday that few lawmakers truly liked. They instead viewed the measure as a necessary step to demonstrate some sense of momentum and some ability to govern in GOP-controlled Washington. (Kane, 5/4)
Politico: Republicans Don’t Really Like The Health Care Bill They Just Passed
Republicans have been saying this particular bill was set to pass because it’s a now-or-never situation — especially after the embarrassing collapse of the first effort in March — and they’re been finding solace in the idea that the legislation won't be the final product anyway. Rep. Luke Messer, an Indiana Republican, called it a "green flag" and a "start." (Dawsey, 5/4)
Kaiser Health News: Political Theater: How A Bill That Nearly All Opposed Managed To Pass The House
The vote was about health care, but it was a display of political theater, too. Representatives sent a message not to hospitals, doctors and patients but to President Donald Trump and his devoted followers who propelled the GOP to power. “The president needed a win and so does House Speaker Paul Ryan,” said Jason Fichtner, a health care expert at the conservative Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. “With this vote, they can go back to their constituents and say they did something about Obamacare.” (Galewitz, 5/4)
