Pence: ‘I Hope’ GOP Will Move Forward On Obamacare Repeal By End Of Year

Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence speaks with Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine during the vice-presidential debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence speaks with Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine during the vice-presidential debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016... Republican vice-presidential nominee Gov. Mike Pence speaks with Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine during the vice-presidential debate at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) MORE LESS
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Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday said that he “hopes” Congress will have a health care bill on President Donald Trump’s desk by the end of the year, a far cry from Republicans’ original push to pass legislation within his now-elapsed first 100 days.

“We’re hopeful there’ll be action in the House of Representatives soon,” Pence said in an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” “I think health care reform, repealing and replacing Obamacare, is just around the corner.”

“How do you pass this thing?” Chuck Todd asked.

“First, before I get to that, let’s begin with the fact that Obamacare has failed,” Pence deflected. “I mean, it literally is collapsing all across the country.”

“That is a very debatable point, Mr. Vice President,” Todd replied.

Pence moved on to discussing congressional Republicans’ first attempt to pass a repeal bill, which leaders pulled after they were unable to corral enough votes to get the bill through the House.

“Congress obviously wasn’t ready to begin the process of repealing Obamacare a little more than a month ago, but I think we’re close,” he said.

“Before the end of the year?” Todd asked. “Not making that promise?”

“I hope before the end of the year,” Pence replied.

Trump on Sunday tweeted that a new bill to repeal and replace Obamacare is “on its way,” but also did not specify when.

 

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