White House spokesman says Obamacare repeal has business support

PHOENIX — A White House staffer said Thursday the GOP’s replacement Obamacare bill was earning support from business groups and would eventually become law.

Assistant press secretary Ninio Fetalvo told KTAR’s Arizona’s Morning News on Thursday that “Unlike Obamacare, this bill is going through the legislative process, which I think contributed to (the Affordable Care Act’s) failure. This will work through the correct process.”

Congress passed the Affordable Care Act on March 21, 2010 without any Republican votes. It was signed into law by President Barack Obama two days later.

The replacement bill has become the focus of fractious interactions between Democrats and Republicans and even between members of the GOP. The bill passed its first hurdle early Thursday, clearing the House Ways and Means Committee by seven votes and then a second House panel.

BREAKING: A second House panel clears bill to scuttle Obama health care law, limit Medicaid funding.

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 9, 2017

“The Affordable Care Act was … unaffordable,” Fetalvo said, pointing out the ” triple-figure rise in premiums in Arizona.

The 116 percent jump in Arizona went into effect Jan. 1.

Some of the most conservative members of Congress object to the replacement legislation, calling it “Obamacare Lite.”

“We’ve had a lot of support from business groups,” Fetalvo said. “We’re going to continue to talk to folks.”

Great to speak with @JimSharpe & @NEWS923 on @AZMorningNews to discuss the disaster of #Obamacare and why we must #RepealandReplace. https://t.co/wE3pt6iRoM

— Ninio Fetalvo (@Ninio45) March 9, 2017

“We’re going to bring it back to the people, give them more options. That’s what President (Donald) Trump cares about … not D.C. political insiders making the choice for people back home.”

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) showed up for his weekly press briefing with his sleeves rolled up, and delivered a PowerPoint presentation about the GOP bill.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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