Pence reaffirms plans to ‘repeal and replace’ ObamaCare

Vice President Pence on Thursday reaffirmed the Trump administration’s commitment to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act amid calls from Republican lawmakers to merely “repair” the healthcare law.

“We are absolutely committed to follow through on President Trump’s directive to repeal and replace ObamaCare and to have the Congress do it at the same time,” Pence told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

“The president’s made it very clear we are having ongoing discussions with leadership, with the House and Senate. But this is the president’s leadership, Sean, I’ve got to tell you,” he continued.

“I mean, ObamaCare was very much on the ballot when we saw the hardship that it was placing on families across this country, on businesses across this country, premiums going up in some cases more than 100 percent this year.”

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Pence’s comments come as some Republicans in the House and Senate voice concerns over the feasibility of fully repealing former President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law.

Trump and GOP congressional leaders have long called for the law to be fully dismantled and replaced, but key Republican lawmakers have since shifted to a more modest goal of repairing the law.

“The American people said we want to repeal ObamaCare and we’re working – we’re working with leadership in the Congress to do just that,” Pence said.

In the House, Republicans are moving forward with a plan to repeal the law using the budget reconciliation process, and such legislation could come to a vote within a couple months.

But a recording obtained by The Washington Post last week revealed hesitations among some Republicans about completely repealing the ACA, and the the potential fallout GOP lawmakers could face. Roughly 20 million people are insured under ObamaCare, and Republicans have yet to reach consensus on a replacement plan ensuring they don’t lose health coverage.