The leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus defended his decision to oppose Republican legislation to repeal Obamacare that was pulled by House leadership Friday because of insufficient support. Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said he was willing to work with President Trump again to fully repeal Obamacare, even though Trump and House GOP leaders said they are moving on.
Meadows said in a statement that he promised his constituents he would "fight for a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act and a replacement with a market-driven approach that brings down costs and provides more choices for the American people."
The Freedom Caucus has complained that the American Health Care Act doesn't go far enough in dismantling Obamacare. Meadows had been in talks with the White House to move the bill further to the right.
The White House agreed to add last-minute changes such as repealing essential health benefits, but that wasn't enough for Meadows and his group. He told reporters he was still planning to negotiate Thursday night even after Trump issued an ultimatum on the bill.
Meadows said he hopes to work with the president again to repeal Obamacare, but that doesn't appear likely as House leaders are moving on to tax reform.
