Eight Republican governors signed a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in support of the Republican bill to repeal and replace Obamacare as leaders scrambled to secure enough votes to pass it.
“We write today to offer our support for the American Health Care Act, especially now that important changes to the legislation were announced this week,” the letter reads. “This bill addresses many of the concerns of those who sent a loud and clear message to Washington last November demanding change.”
A total of 33 Republican governors currently hold office in the United States. While most have not publicly committed to a position on the bill, many have expressed concerns about the consequences their constituents will face if it passes.
Last week, four other Republican governors voiced public opposition to the bill.
Govs. Eric Holcomb (R-IN), Robert Bentley (R-AL), C. L. “Butch” Otter (R-ID), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Paul LePage (R-ME), Phil Bryant (R-MS), Eric R. Greitens (R-MO), and Gary R. Herbert (R-UT) signed the letter.
Indiana @GovHolcomb and 7 other governors sent a letter to @SpeakerRyan & @SenateMajLdr in support of the American Health Care Act. pic.twitter.com/2CzxvqBWaq
— Larry Bucshon, MD (@RepLarryBucshon) March 23, 2017
Republican leaders were forced to delay a House vote on the bill originally planned for Thursday as the White House negotiated with members of the House Freedom Caucus to win enough votes to pass the legislation.
