U.S. President Donald Trump’s effort to roll back Obamacare gained momentum on Wednesday as Republican leaders scheduled a vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday on newly revised legislation.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy expressed confidence the bill would pass and several moderate Republican lawmakers who previously objected to the bill said they could now support it. A vote was expected as early as midday Thursday, with lawmakers planning to leave town later that day for a week-long recess. Late on Wednesday, the bill cleared a procedural step allowing it to advance to the House floor.
Steep climb ahead
Even if a narrow majority in the House approves the bill, it still faces a steep climb in the Senate, where only a few defections could kill it.
Keen to score his first major legislative win since taking office, Mr. Trump threw his own political capital behind the bill, meeting with lawmakers and calling them in an effort to cajole their support. He is seeking to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.
