Republicans begin to grumble: Why haven’t we repealed Obamacare yet? – CNN
The sentiment is beginning to simmer within the influential conservative wing of the Republican Party and hints at what could be the opening of an intra-party rift as the GOP's mission to overhaul the country's health care system appears to be losing steam.
In one faction are lawmakers increasingly wary of the pitfalls of a quick and sweeping repeal of the Affordable Care Act. In recent days, top congressional Republicans who are most intimately involved in health care policy have urged moderation: Fearing the consequences of a rapid repeal, they have begun to speak of "repairing" the law and even preserving aspects of it that are working.
That shift in tone has irked other Republicans who are eager to take a swift vote to roll back as much of Obamacare as possible. Their fear: their conservative constituents back home won't settle for anything else.
"For goodness sake, we should be able to put something on President Trump's desk that's at least as good as what we put on President Obama's desk. Not something watered down," Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told CNN in an interview. "Let's repeal it. Let's do what the voters sent us here to do."
Asked about the political ramifications of repealing less than what the House has voted for in the past, Jordan responded forcefully. "That'd just be the flat out wrong thing to do. No. Just flat out wrong," he said.
Even Trump now seems to lower expectations. In an interview with Fox News' Bill O'Reilly that aired before the Super Bowl Sunday, Trump referred to the process of overhauling the health care system as "very complicated" and wouldn't commit to a firm timeline on when an Obamacare alternative would be rolled out.
For the most conservative members of the House, that timeline might be unacceptable.
Jordan, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, along with the group's chairman, Rep. Mark Meadows, released a statement last week calling on House leadership to bring for a vote the Obamacare repeal bill that the House passed during the last Congress. (That measure was vetoed by President Barack Obama.)
House Speaker Paul Ryan and other top Republicans are currently crafting a similar budget reconciliation bill that would unravel big chunks of the law. But that process has become complicated by pressure to include Obamacare replacement measures in that legislation.
Ryan said at a news conference last week that he now hopes to move Obamacare legislation by the end of March.
Meadows told CNN that the party needs to move much faster.
"I don't know that there's any new revelations that are going to come up by waiting 60 to 90 more days," Meadows said. "We're making the whole idea of repeal and replacement far more complex and laborious than it needs to be and I think it's time that we just make some decisions and move forward with (the repeal bill)."
On considering anything less than what was voted on in 2015, Meadows quipped: "You don't get any credit with any of your constituents if you do that."
It's not clear how widespread the calls to vote on the 2015 Obamacare repeal bill could become.
But when members of the House Freedom Caucus gather for their weekly dinner in Washington early this week, they plan to discuss the topic and try to garner broader support, according to a source.
Meadows and Jordan said they support voting on a replacement bill at the same time as the repeal legislation, and are exploring potential legislation that they could rally around.
Last week, members of the Freedom Caucus met with Sen. Rand Paul to discuss the Kentucky Republican's Obamacare legislation and a potential cross-chamber partnership. Paul has been adamant that an Obamacare alternative must be ready before the GOP votes to repeal the law -- a priority echoed by many fellow Republicans.
Reassuring the public that the GOP won't allow millions to suddenly lose coverage will become an increasingly urgent task, as Republican lawmakers start to receive blowback from constituents for dismantling the Affordable Care Act at town halls across the country.
Doug Heye, who served as top aide to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, scoffed at the complaints coming from some Republicans that the party isn't voting to repeal Obamacare quickly enough.
Heye, a CNN political commentator, witnessed first-hand the party's months-long effort in 2014 to craft an Obamacare replacement bill -- an exercise that didn't go anywhere.
"I can tell you chapter and verse about 2014 and all the meetings that I went to on replacement where we never produced draft legislation," Heye said. "We could do the repeal vote -- that was easy. Then we tried to craft the replacement legislation, which not having the Senate and not having the White House -- it was still very much of a political act. And now it's more than that."
See more here:
Republicans begin to grumble: Why haven't we repealed Obamacare yet? - CNN
- Republicans rush to close the gap in the final stretch of Virginia's redistricting election - NBC News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Republicans worry White House nonsense is hurting midterm prospects - Politico - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- House Republicans defend subsidizing luxury stadium suites over supporting victims of sex trafficking - Minnesota House of Representatives (.gov) - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- In group chats and meetings, Republicans are privately petrified the Iran war could cost them the midterms - NBC News - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Wisconsin Republicans thumb their noses on their way out the door - Wisconsin Examiner - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- TN Republicans and the politics of Christian nationalism | Opinion - The Tennessean - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Illinois House Republicans split on bill allowing eligible high schoolers to register to vote - WGLT - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- David Jolly says he can rally both Democrats and frustrated Republicans to turn the state blue - Florida Politics - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Republicans Break Ranks in Humiliating Snub to Trump - The Daily Beast - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Some Republicans want to reverse GOP cuts to rural and tribal radio stations - current.org - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Chris Wright faced a big test this week. Republicans say he passed. - Politico - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Share of young men attending church is on the rise in a trend driven by Republicans, Gallup finds - Christian Post - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Two Ohio Republicans supported extending Haitian temporary protected status - The Columbus Dispatch - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Barrett gears up for tough campaign as McClain urges Republicans to stick to their guns - News From The States - April 19th, 2026 [April 19th, 2026]
- Republicans are moving to fund Homeland Security 'the hard way' after end of talks - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Republicans big 2026 problem: An unhinged Trump who doesnt seem to care about them - CNN - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- These are the tax cut proposals from Democrats and Republicans at the Minnesota Legislature - CBS News - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Why arent Republicans thrilled by the fall in teen pregnancies? | Arwa Mahdawi - The Guardian - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- The hell with the midterms: Former NC governor says Republicans need to focus on economy, not war - NC Newsline - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Congressional Republicans are failing the Trump test - The Hill - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- California Republicans are caught between Trump loyalty and winning swing districts - CalMatters - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- This Is Going to Be a Tough Cycle for Us: Georgias Governor Has a Warning for Fellow Republicans - Politico - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Gov. Evers, Republicans still in talks about budget surplus - WSAW - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Republicans Were Relieved Trump Deleted an Image of Himself as Jesus - NOTUS - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Republicans pitch themselves as the best candidate to take on Kaptur - Toledo Blade - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- In rebuke to Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee Republicans fight to restore summer food program for kids - Tennessee Lookout - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Senate Republicans hold news conference after return from recess and DHS still shut down - WKNO FM - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Gov. Evers, Republicans still in talks about budget surplus - WSMV - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Mitt Romney returns to Massachusetts as a GOP outlier: "Republicans now salute and do what the president tells them." - CBS News - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- WHAT THEYRE SAYING: Senate Democrats Increasingly Poised to Flip the Upper Chamber as Republicans Face Sour National Environment - dscc.org - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Republicans are moving to fund Homeland Security the hard way after end of talks - InformNNY.com - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Tennessee Republicans Are Pushing Bills Allowing Schools To Deny Enrollment To Undocumented Children - Know Your Rights Camp - April 14th, 2026 [April 14th, 2026]
- Opinion | Why Republicans Will Not Run Away From Trump - The New York Times - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Dan Patrick says Republicans will have a tough time holding Texas House majority in November - The Texas Tribune - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans in Congress brace for a fight over the Iran war price tag - NPR - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans Need Their Situation to Improve. Right Now, Trump isnt Helping - The Center for Politics at UVA - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- North Carolina Republicans Are Trying to Give One of the Countrys Most Partisan Judges a Frightening New Power - Slate Magazine - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans react to Democratic election wins in Wisconsin ahead of the 2026 midterm vote - PBS Wisconsin - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- We lose the midterms: Republicans worry Iran might have already cost them Congress - Politico - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Some Republicans Vent Concern as Party Backs Trumps Iran Threat - The New York Times - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans block effort to halt Trump's war with Iran after 'civilization' threat - NBC News - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- House Republicans outline what it will take for them to vote on Bears bill - Capitol News Illinois - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Even some Republicans are against Trump's violence in Iran - Mother Jones - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Some Republicans Set Their Own Deadline on Iran War. Its Getting Close. - WSJ - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Only Republicans Invited to Iowa Intellectual Freedom Event - Inside Higher Ed - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans will 'have a tough time' holding the Texas House, Patrick says - FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Hey, Kansas Republicans in D.C.: Maybe it's a good time to warn Trump against incinerating the world - Kansas Reflector - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- 'That is not who we are': Some Republicans break with Trump over Iran threats - ABC News - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Voters Including Most Republicans Oppose Cutting Health Care to Fund War - Data For Progress - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- MD Republicans irked at legislative policies as No Kings Act debated - Maryland Daily Record - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans block bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers - Maryland Daily Record - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Latest election results give Republicans new reasons to reach for the panic button - MS NOW - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- 'We got our butts kicked': Republicans reckon with Democratic success ahead of the midterms - Los Angeles Times - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Republicans fight among themselves over their long pre-election to-do list - Semafor - April 10th, 2026 [April 10th, 2026]
- Latino Republicans in South Texas Turn on Trump Over Birthright Citizenship - The New York Times - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- MAGA Republicans Continue to Block Bipartisan Bill to Fund Department of Homeland Security - House.gov - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- NH Republicans seek another expansion of right to try law for experimental medical treatments - News From The States - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Maine Republicans renew call for federal investigation into fraud allegations - WGME - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Republicans eye health care cuts to pay for U.S. war in Iran - MS NOW - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Letter to the editor: As they fail us, Republicans' only goal is to stay in power - Bozeman Daily Chronicle - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Top Democrats huddle, and include the Republicans this time - cnhi.com - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Washoe Republicans vote against endorsing Clark, DA Hicks ahead of primary election - This Is Reno - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Zero Respect: The Feud Between Senate and House Republicans Is Getting Uglier - NOTUS News of the United States - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Republicans worry about uphill climb in paying for next GOP-only bill - The Hill - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Senate Republicans working on GOP-only bill to fund DHS through Trumps term - The Hill - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- The Republicans Flimsy Plan to Pass Their Terrible Voter ID Bill - The New Republic - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Immigration could cost Republicans the midterms heres what they should do - The Hill - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- What Black Americans should know about Democrats and Republicans and the 'Party of the KKK' - thegrio.com - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Republicans Have Come Up With the Worst Budgeting Idea Possibly Ever - Esquire - April 1st, 2026 [April 1st, 2026]
- Brad Raffensperger runs for Georgia governor and tries to defy Republicans who called him repugnant - CNN - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa Performed a Skit. N.Y. Republicans Are Livid. - The New York Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Rep. Mohamed: Republicans' Veto Override Leaves Local Communities Holding the Bag, Still No Real Property Relief for Majority of Ohioans - Ohio House... - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- California 'jungle' primary could hand governor's race to Republicans - The Detroit News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: WE WANT REPUBLICANS TO STOP HOLDING TSA AGENTS AND AIR TRAVELERS HOSTAGE TO THEIR EXTREME IMMIGRATION AGENDA Congressman... - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- New Dem Leadership Condemns House Republicans for Needlessly Extending the Chaos of the DHS Shutdown - New Democrat Coalition (.gov) - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- 2 Arkansas Republicans give final campaign push before Tuesdays runoff - Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- At CPAC, many Republicans stand by Trump on Iran. But they're divided on how the war could end. - CBS News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Why a record number of Republicans are retiring ahead of the midterms - Yahoo - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Republicans protested the number of tax bills introduced during the 2026 legislative session. Few passed the Democrat-controlled General Assembly. -... - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- House Republicans pass DHS funding bill that Democrats call 'dead on arrival' in the Senate - NBC News - March 28th, 2026 [March 28th, 2026]