House GOP to set up healthcare ‘spin room’ ahead of vote

House Republicans plan to set up a “spin room” for lawmakers to talk to media outlets about the GOP’s plan to repeal and replace ObamaCare before an expected close vote on the legislation Thursday.

{mosads}Spin rooms are typically employed during major political events, such as presidential debates, after which surrogates talk up their preferred candidate’s performance and answer questions. Creating such a setup before a floor vote is a rare move. 

According to a press release, House Republicans’ “media row” will run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday for journalists covering the healthcare debate. It says GOP leadership and chairs of the Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Budget committees will be available for interviews. 

House GOP leaders’ healthcare proposal has faced opposition within the party, particularly from conservatives who say it doesn’t go far enough in rolling back ObamaCare. 

Following meetings with the Republican Study Committee on Friday, President Trump voiced support for amending certain aspects of the legislation, but some hard-line conservative groups like the House Freedom Caucus still say that is not enough to earn their vote.

Seventeen House Republicans have already said they will vote against the current healthcare bill, according to The Hill’s Whip List. Republicans can only afford to lose 20 GOP votes in the House.