'You were given many lies — go with our plan': Trump tweets last-ditch pitch to the public for GOP Obamacare replacement

pulse

March 23, 2017 12:51 PM

President Donald Trump made a video pitch to the American public on Thursday to support the American Health Care Act.

President Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump took time out of his last-minute negotiations on Republican leadership's bill to repeal and replace Obamacare to send out a video message urging the public to show support for the bill, the American Health Care Act.

In a video message tweeted out Thursday morning, Trump listed places where he said Obamacare, the healthcare law officially known as the Affordable Care act, fell short.

"Americans were told that Obamacare would bring down prices and increase options," Trump said in the video. "You were told that you could keep your plan and keep your doctor. You were given many, many false stories. The fact is, you were given many, many lies."

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that 24 million people would lose their healthcare coverage over the next 10 years under the AHCA. It also estimated that premiums would increase over the next two years before falling.

The House vote is expected Thursday, and based on statements from GOP lawmakers it could be a close call. In the video, Trump urged Americans to call their representatives and ask them to vote for the AHCA.

"Go with our plan," Trump said. "It's going to be terrific — you're going to be very, very happy. Call your local representative, call your senator, let them know you're behind our plan."

The conservative House Freedom Caucus says it has enough GOP lawmakers who will vote against the bill to block it, but Trump has engaged in last-minute negotiations with the group to try to save the bill.

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