Koch network says it will defend Republicans who vote against healthcare bill

by Rebecca Savransky - 03/23/17 7:58 AM ET

The network of donors and outside groups helmed by billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch is reportedly pledging to defend Republicans who don’t support the GOP’s ObamaCare replacement plan.

The network is planning to spend millions of dollars to help members of the GOP opposed to the Republican healthcare proposal, Politico reported.

Americans for Prosperity and Freedom Partners reportedly will work together to make a “seven-figure” fund to protect those who vote against the healthcare bill.

The money, according to Politico, will go toward paid media, direct mail and grassroots canvassing.

{mosads}The executive vice president of Freedom Partners told the news outlet that the GOP healthcare bill doesn’t fully repeal the Affordable Care Act — a promise he said Republicans have been making since ObamaCare became law.

“We will stand with lawmakers who keep their promise and oppose this legislation — and work toward a solution that reduces costs and provides Americans with the relief they need and deserve,” James Davis said.

Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips said the group has “never wavered in our commitment to a full repeal of this disastrous law.”

“We want to make certain that lawmakers understand the policy consequences of voting for a law that keeps Obamacare intact,” Phillips said in a statement.

“We have a history of following up and holding politicians accountable, but we will also be there to support and thank the champions who stand strong and keep their promise.”

On Wednesday night, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) said he and the president had come to an “agreement in principle” on the GOP plan, known as the American Health Care Act, which is set for a House vote Thursday.

“I think what we’re trying to do now is make sure that our agreement is actually something that can be executed in a way that passes the Senate,” he added. “There’s still work to be done, but I can tell you that the president is all engaged.”