Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, remains confident the Alexander-Murray and reinsurance bills promised to her by Congressional leadership will pass, and now Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., seems to begrudgingly agree, according to The Hill.
Republican leaders promised Ms. Collins they would pass these provisions to offset the negative effects of the individual insurance mandate repeal included in their tax bill. Though Ms. Collins has remained steadfast in her confidence the promises will be carried through, there has been disconnect with House conservatives who disagreed with the tipulation.
However, after Ms. Collins said Wednesday Vice President Mike Pence had once again reassured her the bills will pass, Mr. Meadows acknowledged the promise was probably true.
"I think she has every reason to believe that it'll be included," said Mr. Meadows, according to The Hill. "I'm not supportive of that position, but I don't know that she's misled in her confidence."
Mr. Meadows' vague language appears to be an intentional way of signaling his belief the bills will pass without necessarily endorsing them.
The Alexander-Murray bill would fund cost-sharing subsidies and afford states flexibility regarding ACA regulations. The reinsurance bill would establish a $10 billion fund over two years to pay insurers for covering high-cost patients.