an unexpected critic
John Boehner: 'They're not going to repeal and replace ObamaCare'
Former House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is confident that his party won't repeal and replace ObamaCare. "Here we are, seven months into this year, and yet they've not passed this bill. Now, they're never — they're not going to repeal and replace ObamaCare," Boehner said at a private event last week in Las Vegas, of which The Washington Post obtained video footage.
Boehner explained "the American people have gotten accustomed to" ObamaCare at this point, so he suggested that Republicans' best bet at rolling back the health-care law is just to chip away at its tax provisions and regulations. "When it's all said and done, you're not going to have an employer mandate anymore, you're not going to have the individual mandate," Boehner said. "The Medicaid expansion will be there. The governors will have more control over their Medicaid populations and how to get them care, and a lot of ObamaCare taxes will probably go."
Boehner readily acknowledged that Republican leadership might not appreciate his candid commentary, especially as they're poised to vote Tuesday afternoon on health care. Boehner recalled the last time he made waves, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) texted him, "Gee, thanks."
Read more of Boehner's insights — including his advice to President Trump — over at The Washington Post.