A top Senate Democrat said Thursday his party is willing to work with President Trump and Republicans on health care if they move away from their push to repeal Obamacare.
Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the House GOP’s initial push on health care gave Democrats “pause because we realized many Republicans just want repeal.”
“If they will take repeal off the table, Democrats will slide the chairs up to the table,” Mr. Durbin said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “Let’s talk about making a great health care in America that really reaches out and covers more people with reliable and affordable insurance. That is something that America wants us to do together.”
Mr. Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan unsuccessfully tried to push a repeal and replace health care bill through the House last week.
Mr. Durbin said there are ongoing efforts to reach bipartisan consensus on some issues — including on infrastructure and immigration.
“Most of the White House operation, including the president, are new to this job,” Mr. Durbin said. “They don’t have the seasoned veteran of Capitol Hill who understands how these things work.”
“But they are learning and I think they are receptive, more receptive now after their defeat last week in the House of Representatives,” he said.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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