Ted Cruz weighed in today on the House Obamacare replacement bill, saying he has significant concerns and thus didn’t believe it would pass the Senate the way it was drafted. However, he is optimistic that they can make changes to the bill and that ultimately it will pass:

TEXAS TRIBUNE – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz gave a pessimistic prediction Wednesday for the new House Republican health care bill’s chances in the Senate — though he said the bill’s fate would be improved with some changes.

“The current draft in the House is a draft about which I have significant concerns,” he told reporters on a conference call. “As drafted, I do not believe this bill would pass the United States Senate. But I am encouraged and optimistic that we can resolve these differences.”

“I’m glad that the House of Representatives has introduced their legislation to repeal Obamacare,” he added, in his Wednesday remarks. “Yesterday, President Trump tweeted that this bill was now open for negotiation, and I think that is exactly right. There are vigorous debates that are ongoing [in Congress] about what the contours of this legislation should be.”

“My focus is on rolling up my sleeves and working hard to improve this legislation,” he said.

His comments were conveyed as ‘gentle criticism’ of the bill and I would concur. Let’s hope he is willing to stand firm on this going forward.

In related but important news, Cruz will be meeting with Trump tonight at the White House:

Cruz and his wife, Heidi Cruz, are scheduled to have dinner later Wednesday at the White House with the president and First Lady Melania Trump. Cruz said the purpose of the dinner, which was arranged several weeks ago, is “social” but he expects the health care plan to come up.

If it doesn’t come up I hope he brings it up. After all, he almost won the 2016 primary and his voice matters on all this.

http://therightscoop.com/ted-cruz-the-current-obamacare-replacement-bill-will-not-pass-the-senate/