The struggle to reform health care continues as Republicans, despite holding the reins of both the White House and Congress, have yet to succeed in passing their proposed health care changes. Meanwhile, a new legal challenge has emerged against the president concerning his White House renovations.
Health Care Reform Stalemate
AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: This week marks another missed opportunity for lawmakers to reach a consensus on a new health care plan, with the expiration of current subsidies looming just weeks away. President Trump has long promised to replace the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, with a more viable solution. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C., back in 2011, he stated:
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PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: I will fight to end Obamacare and replace it – replace it with something that makes sense for people and business and not bankrupt the country.
RASCOE: Fast forward to the present, and during a White House holiday gathering, Trump expressed optimism about working on a bipartisan health care plan:
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TRUMP: And I really believe we can work on health care together and come up with something that’s going to be much better, much less expensive for the people, less expensive for our nation.
RASCOE: Yet, neither the president nor the Republican Party has succeeded in crafting a plan that can pass through Congress. NPR’s senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith joins us to discuss the situation. Good morning, Tamara.
TAMARA KEITH, BYLINE: Good morning, Ayesha.
RASCOE: With Republicans at the helm of both the White House and Congress, can they leverage this to secure a victory in health care reform?
KEITH: While anything is possible, the party remains fragmented. An analysis from KFF reveals that individuals relying on Affordable Care Act exchanges could face doubling premiums if tax credits expire. However, the GOP lacks a unified stance, with President Trump not deeply involved in the legislative details. Last week, conflicting proposals from Republicans and Democrats were unsuccessful in the Senate. The House is set to adjourn for the holidays shortly, pressing the urgency for a resolution. As of now, insufficient Republican backing exists for a clean extension of these tax credits. Those seeking coverage starting January 1 must enroll by tomorrow, highlighting the ticking clock.
RASCOE: Are there any opinion polls indicating how the president’s supporters view the expiration of ACA subsidies?
KEITH: Yes, KFF conducted a poll among individuals obtaining coverage via the marketplaces, who would be directly impacted by the lapse of tax credits. The poll found that 72% of Republicans within this group advocate for extending the credits. Moreover, nearly 60% of ACA marketplace enrollees reside in districts represented by Republicans, according to KFF.
Controversy Over White House Renovations
RASCOE: Shifting focus to a legal action against the president, a preservation group has filed a lawsuit concerning the White House ballroom renovations. Can you elaborate on the situation and the White House’s response?
KEITH: The National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to temporarily halt the $300 billion ballroom project, claiming the Trump administration bypassed necessary approvals. In October, the East Wing of the White House was demolished to accommodate a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom without prior approval or public commentary, which stirred public backlash post-factum. Despite ongoing construction with cranes and pile drivers, no formal plans have been submitted. While President Trump appreciates the construction sounds, Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and public engagement.
CAROL QUILLEN: We feel like we have no choice here. We need to fulfill our mission. We need to speak on behalf of the American public, and we need to make the case that these processes are important and that respecting them matters because our history matters.
KEITH: White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded, stating, “President Trump has full legal authority to modernize, renovate and beautify the White House, just like all of his predecessors did.”
U.S. Response to ISIS Attack
RASCOE: Briefly, President Trump has hinted at “very serious retaliation” following an ISIS attack in Syria that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and an American civilian. Do we have more details on this retaliation?
KEITH: Specifics remain undisclosed. On the White House’s south lawn, Trump attributed the attack to ISIS, describing it as an assault on both Syria and the U.S. Social media posts indicate that Syria’s president is profoundly disturbed by the attack, which transpired in an area not fully under governmental control.
RASCOE: That was NPR’s senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. Thank you, Tamara.
KEITH: You’re welcome.
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