Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Trump Tweets That 'I Am Very Supportive' Of Senate Health Plan
Roll Call: Trump Is ‘Very Supportive’ Of Senate Health Care Bill
President Donald Trump tweeted Thursday evening that he is “very supportive” of the health care bill crafted by Senate Republican leadership, departing from an earlier more cautious approach by his White House communications team. The president’s support for the bill — which proposes Medicaid cuts, and an end to the 2010 health care law’s individual mandate — comes as Senate leaders must win over several conservative senators who on Thursday announced they have concerns with the measure. It is unclear whether Trump’s support will help bring those conservatives on board. (Bennett, 6/22)
Los Angeles Times: Senate Obamacare Repeal Bill Would Slash Federal Healthcare Funding For Medicaid
Trump said Wednesday night at a campaign-style rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that he had told senators to “add some money to it” to produce a healthcare bill with “heart.” Asked Thursday morning whether the Senate draft met that standard, the president suggested some changes were needed. "A little negotiation, but it's going to be very good," he told reporters. (Levey and Mascaro, 6/22)
Roll Call: Trump Says Senate GOP Health Care Holdouts Are ‘Four Good Guys’
President Donald Trump called four conservative holdouts who could wreck Senate Republican leaders’ health care bill “good guys,” saying there is a “narrow path” to win their support and pass the measure. ... During an interview on “Fox & Friends” taped Thursday at the White House and aired Friday, Trump appeared eager to avoid offending any of the holdouts. The president, as he did as a candidate, is not afraid of personally besmirching a political foe — but when it came to Paul, Johnson, Cruz and Lee, Trump had nothing but praise and understanding. “They’re four good guys and they’re friends of mine,” the president said. “We have four very good people, and it’s not that they’re opposed. “They’d like to get certain changes,” he said, “and we’ll see if we can take care of that.” (Bennett, 6/23)
