Pelosi says Democrats willing to deal on health care fixes if GOP reaches out – USA TODAY
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast on March 10, 2017.(Photo: Michael Bonfigli, The Christian Science Monitor)
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosisaid Friday that Democrats would be willing to compromise with Republicans on a revised health care law if the GOP reaches out to them.
Pelosi said Democrats will continue to fight Republican efforts to scrap the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. But, if Republicans can't get their own fractious caucus to agree on a replacement bill, Pelosi said Democrats would be willing to work with the GOP to improve the existing law.
"We would be able to swallow, I think, some things (that Republicans want), if that's the price to pay to get the rest of it," the California lawmakersaid at a newsmaker breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor.
Specifically, Pelosi said she would be willing to accept Republicans' plan to expand Health Savings Accounts, which are tax-exempt accounts that people can use to pay for medical expenses. The Republican health care bill, called the American Health Care Act, would increasethe amount of contributions that people can make to their accounts from $3,400 to $6,550for individuals and from $6,750 to $13,100 for families.
Pelosi said she doesn't like that ideabut would be willing to include it in a compromise bill if Republicans were willing to accept the expansion of Medicaid, which provides care for low-income families and disabled Americans. Obamacare expanded the number of people who were eligible for Medicaid. The Republican plan would phase out that expansion.
"Would they (Republicans) accept the expansion of Medicaid? That would be very important," Pelosi said.
Read more:
4 key ways the House Republicans' health care bill changes Obamacare
White House seems more eager than Speaker Paul Ryan to cut Obamacare deals
Republican leaders warn that changing health care bill would doom it in Senate
Still, the Democratic leader said she is skeptical that House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and other Republican leaders would ask for Democratic help, even if their bill fails to pass because of a lack of support within the GOP.
"I would hope that if it doesn't pass, they would make an overture," Pelosi said. "But they may not give up. They may say, 'OK, we didn't pass this, let's go back to the drawing board.' "
She said Republicans may be forced to do just that after they see how much their bill is going to cost and how many Americans could lose their health care coverage if it passes. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office is expected to come out with its estimate of those numbers on Monday.
Pelosi pointed to a prediction by Brookings Institution experts on Thursday that the CBO report will estimate that 15 million people will lose their health care coverage if the Republican bill is approved.
"They (Republicans) do not know what they're talking about (without seeing the CBO estimates)," she said.
The U.S. Secretary of Health Tom Price distinguished which health care plans will be changed by the proposed replacement for Obamacare during a news conference at the White House. USA TODAY NETWORK
1 of 11
A closer look at the draft legislation House Republicans hope will replace the Affordable Care Act. USA TODAY NETWORK
2 of 11
Donald Trump says a replacement for Obamacare will be offered with the confirmation of his health secretary. And he tells reporters that repealing and replacing President Barack Obama's health care law would be done "essentially simultaneously." (Jan. 11) AP
3 of 11
Five Republican senators are offering a budget resolution amendment which would extend the deadline for a repeal of Obamacare. Buzz60
4 of 11
Between November 1 and December 24 approximately 11.5 million people signed up for health plan coverage under President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. USA TODAY
5 of 11
House Speaker Paul Ryan says the GOP's budget bill defunding Obamacare could include language to block Planned Parenthood's federal funds. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
6 of 11
The estimate from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget includes the repeal's effect on the economy. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
7 of 11
The President-elect says the Republican party 'doesn't want to own' Obamacare. He says the repeal and replace transition will happen 'essentially simultaneously'.
8 of 11
President-elect Donald Trump, who had repeatedly campaigned on a promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act, said Friday that he would consider keeping certain parts of the health care law after meeting with President Obama at the White House. Time
9 of 11
Donald Trump told 'The Wall Street Journal' that he may retain certain parts of the Affordable Care Act, a shift in tone since he promised to repeal it during his campaign. USA TODAY NETWORK
10 of 11
Over 100,000 people signed up for Obamacare plans the day after the presidential election. It's the largest number since open enrollment starts on November 1. USA TODAY NETWORK
11 of 11
U.S. Health Secretary: Changes are about patients
Obamacare replacement bill unveiled by Republicans
Trump: Obamacare Plan is 'Repeal and Replace'
Republican Senators push to slow Obamacare repeal
11.5 million people signed up for Obamacare
Paul Ryan: GOP will defund Planned Parenthood and Obamacare
Repealing Obamacare: What it could cost and what it could save
Trump claims transition from Obamacare will be simultaneous
Donald Trump says hes willing to preserve parts of Obamacare
Trump suggests parts of Obamacare may stay
Trump election helps spur record Obamacare signups
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/2maScLI
Link:
Pelosi says Democrats willing to deal on health care fixes if GOP reaches out - USA TODAY
- Democrats push to strip Trump of authority over police agency that protects judges as threats against judges surge - CBS News - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- How Many Democrats Have Died In Office This Session? - Newsweek - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Rubio defends Trump's foreign policy as Democrats grill him on Putin and aid cuts - NPR - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Judge finds Trumps firing of Democrats on privacy oversight board unlawful - The Hill - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Senate Democrats Ask for Inquiry Into Pam Bondis Role in Qatar Jet Gifted to Trump - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Democrats Are Overperforming in 2025 Thanks to Trump and a Fresh Focus on Grassroots Organizing - The Nation - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- What are we doing here?: Democrats were shocked at Bidens decline but stayed quiet, according to new book - CNN - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- We shouldnt blow this one: why Democrats have a chance to retake the working class - The Guardian - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Opinion | Voters dont like Democrats. It may not matter for the midterms. - The Washington Post - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Zeldin, Democrats spar over grants and rollbacks - The Hill - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- The Last 8 Members of Congress to Die in Office Have All Been Democrats - Business Insider - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Democrats Consider Tearing Up the Playbook - The Bulwark - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Democrats Pause Their Anger at Biden Over 2024, but Have New Questions - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Pentagon accepts 747 from Qatar as Democrats try to block Air Force One plan - Breaking Defense - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Opinion | Biden Is a Scapegoat. The Democrats Are the Problem. - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Democrats Move to Block Over $3 Billion in Weapons Sales to Qatar and U.A.E. - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- A Vulnerable Governor and an Intraparty Feud Signal a Bumpy Road for Democrats - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Democrats let 'no tax on tips' pass the Senate. That doesn't mean they actually back Trump's campaign promise. - Business Insider - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Alina Habba targeted Democrats when she became New Jerseys top prosecutor. Now shes following through. - Politico - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Opinion | Democrats Are Getting Some Things Right - The New York Times - May 22nd, 2025 [May 22nd, 2025]
- Its time for Joe Biden to go away': Democrats are triggered by Bidens return to the spotlight - Politico - May 15th, 2025 [May 15th, 2025]
- Democrats Have a Real Shot at Retaking the Senate in 2026 - New York Magazine - May 15th, 2025 [May 15th, 2025]
- Early voting in, voter ID out as Democrats advance sweeping election bill - Spotlight PA - May 15th, 2025 [May 15th, 2025]
- Before they name a 2028 nominee, Democrats will have to decide which state will weigh in first - ABC News - May 15th, 2025 [May 15th, 2025]
- Biden didn't deceive Democrats about his decline. It's time to admit the truth. | Opinion - USA Today - May 15th, 2025 [May 15th, 2025]
- 35 Democrats vote with GOP to block Biden rule allowing Newsom's gas car ban - Fox News - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Democrats eager to grill Waltz during confirmation hearing for U.N. post - The Washington Post - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- AOC says she is weighing a bid to lead House Oversight Democrats - Politico - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Full List of Democrats Voting to Block California Ban on Gas-Powered Cars - Newsweek - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- California Democrats Split on Bills to Promote Housing - Governing - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Dear Democrats, Republicans Are Eating Your Lunch on Education. What Are You Going to Do About It? - RealClearEducation - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Sen. Slotkin says Democrats need to get Alpha energy and fight for middle class - PBS - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- More than 40 congressional Democrats said in a letter that CBP actions have turned international travel to the U.S. into a "nightmarish... - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Democrats Could Win First Texas Senate Race in 33 Years: Poll - Newsweek - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Experts: Democrats likely to win NJ and VA races and more Virginia headlines - Virginia Mercury - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- "Hegseth next": Democrats press Trump not to stop with ousting Mike Waltz - Axios - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Democrats rally at US Capitol to decry failure of Trumps first 100 days - The Guardian - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Opinion | Democrats can win over young Trump voters. Heres how. - The Washington Post - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Democrats' Chances of Beating GOP's Jon Husted in Ohio, According to Polls - Newsweek - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Democrats eager to grill Waltz during confirmation hearing for U.N. post - MSN - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Contributor: Democrats, please stop trying to be cool - Los Angeles Times - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Lessons From Across the Pond on How Democrats Can Recover? - WVIK, Quad Cities NPR - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Slotkin's fear of using 'oligarchy' speaks to a deeper problem for Democrats - MSNBC News - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- House Democrats' old guard prepares to fight the youth revolt - Axios - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Most Democrats say their partys elected officials are not pushing hard enough against Trumps policies - Pew Research Center - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Greg Casar Pitches a Resistance 2.0 for Democrats in the Age of Trump - The New York Times - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- House Democrats jockey behind the scenes to become party's top investigator of Trump administration - NBC News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- What should Democrats do now? Everyone has a different answer - BBC - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats claims victory in special election for Iowa House seat representing Cedar Rapids - The Des Moines Register - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- What have the Democrats achieved in Trumps first 100 days? - The Conversation - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Texas House Republicans flex their might after Democrats threaten legislative priorities - The Texas Tribune - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats are still divided but point to recent election wins as signs of turnaround after Trump's first 100 days - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats say Trump's first 100 days gives them a better chance of winning back the House in 2026 - ABC News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Arizona Democrats among those unhappy with President Trump's first 100 days in office - KJZZ - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Montana Republicans dominated the 2024 election. How did Democrats gain power at the statehouse? - KTAR.com - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Illinois governor to Democrats: Time to stop surrendering, when we need to fight - CNN - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats push bill to ban discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community - Queen City News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Top Democrats hold sit-in on Capitol steps as they seek new ways to push back on Trumps agenda - CNN - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Walz 'very pessimistic' on Democrats retaking the Senate - Fox News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Op-Ed: Democrats must throw out the old playbook to fight Trump and win - NJ Spotlight News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- A swing-state mayoral race is about to test whats next for Democrats - NBC News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Power dynamics at play over Democrats offices and staff in the NC Senate - Raleigh News & Observer - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats seize on a new issue to use against the GOP: Social Security - The Washington Post - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Pritzker Thunders Against Do Nothing Democrats as He Stokes 2028 Talk - The New York Times - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats keep saying America is an oligarchy. Is that true? - vox.com - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- JB Pritzker calls out do-nothing Democrats for failing to push back against Trump - AP News - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Democrats Had a Shot at Protecting Journalists From Trump. They Blew It. - The Intercept - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Defending Jan. 6 Rioters, Investigating Democrats: How Ed Martin Is Weaponizing the DOJ for Trump - ProPublica - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- The Democrats Leading the Opposition Against Trump - Governing - April 30th, 2025 [April 30th, 2025]
- Wont have anywhere to hide: Democrats are eager to pick apart the GOP megabill - Politico - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Flailing Democrats need to build coalitions, not primary their own members - The Hill - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- More than 50 House Democrats demand answers after whistleblower report on DOGE - NPR - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Mecklenburg County Democrats Chair Fights For Another Term - The Assembly NC - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Democrats hope to add a 'Green Amendment' to the Wisconsin Constitution - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Trump tariffs have Democrats seeing an outside chance in this red state - The Washington Post - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Bernie Sanders says Democrats have 'paid a political price' for not listening to the working class - NPR - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- The next AOC? Young Democrats are aiming to topple incumbents inside their own party - NPR - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- After Mecklenburg Democrats post-election turmoil, will party pick a new leader? - Charlotte Observer - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Sen. Bennet during town hall asked repeatedly why Democrats arent doing more to combat Trump - Colorado Newsline - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Rising Michigan senator urges Democrats to stop being 'weak and woke' and 'f---ing retake the flag' - Fox News - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]