Breaking news as Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01) announces his opposition to the so-called Repeal and Replace project that sadly looks to the grassroots as a rinse and repeat of Obamacare.
From the press statement:
After reviewing this legislation and receiving the Congressional Budget Office score today, it is clear that this bill is not consistent with the repeal and replace principles for which I stand. I do not think this bill will do what is necessary for the short and long-term best interests of Virginians and therefore, I must oppose it. I do believe that we can enact meaningful health care reforms that put the patient and health care provider back at the center of our health care system, but this bill is not the right answer. This doesn’t change the fact that we need to repeal Obamacare, as I have voted to do. I stand ready and willing to work with my colleagues on legislation that expands choices, increases access, and reduces costs.
CBO numbers demonstrate that 24 million Americans would lose their health care under the current RINOcare proposal, according to the Washington Post.
Wittman’s opposition is notable among House Republicans, if for no other reason than Wittman is not readily identified with the conservative resistance, nor does he affiliate with the House Freedom Caucus:
SIREN: Rep. @RobWittman says he’s opposing #AHCA. Could be a canary-in-coal-mine moment. NOT an HFC rabble rouser. https://t.co/u4Gxe3KSHC
— Mike DeBonis (@mikedebonis) March 13, 2017
Stay tuned…