Both the White House and Congressional Republicans said they needed to confirm Tom Price as the next secretary of Health and Human Services before they could craft a replacement for Obamacare, but Price apparently has no plans to participate in that process.
According to the New York Times, Republicans feeling the heat from their constituents have been left with the dinner bill as Trump has washed his hands of the process.
Adding to the anxiety is Mr. Trump, who is a wild card on the health law. His health secretary, Tom Price, signaled to House Republicans at a private meeting on Thursday that the administration would let Congress draft a replacement bill, Mr. Cole said.
But the president has said multiple times that he is uneasy about depriving anybody of health insurance, and he may bridle if Democrats attack any Republican plan that may lead to that.
As you may recall, Trump said his replacement for Obamacare may not emerge until next year. This may be an indication that he has no plans to create one.
I doubt that surprises anyone, but it may considering Price's own crusade against Obamacare. It certainly appears that the White House has told him to step aside and leave congressional Republicans to their own devices.