GOP Lawmakers Worried About Political Fallout of 'Trumpcare'

An audio recording of a private Republican meeting this week reveals that GOP lawmakers are "in disarray" and "far from agreement" when it comes to repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, the New York Times reports. According to the Washington Post, lawmakers expressed concerns they wouldn't be able to have a replacement for the ACA ready in the short time frame being demanded by the Trump administration. They're also worried about potential damage to insurance markets, more expensive premiums, and the political consequences of defunding Planned Parenthood. One representative said quickly repealing the ACA could "pull the rug out from under Americans" after Republicans explicitly said they wouldn't do that.

The recording shows GOP lawmakers realize they've backed themselves into a corner by promising that no one will lose coverage when the ACA is repealed while also promising to replace it with something cheaper and without mandates or penalties. While Trump wants the ACA gone ASAP, Republican lawmakers are worried about what they're going to be saddled with in 2018. One representative said Republicans must be prepared to own what is sure to be known as "Trumpcare." In fact, Barack Obama told Democrats before leaving office that they must make sure Republicans own their health care changes and label the GOP plan "Trumpcare," Time reports. (More Affordable Care Act stories.)