List of Republicans Opposed to AHCA Grows and More in Politics Today

It’s difficult to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in this country and to break through the clutter, so we’re here to make it easier. Here’s what we at Countable are reading today:

1. "There are now almost 60 Republicans with major concerns about the GOP’s Obamacare replacement bill"

The list of Republicans in both the Senate and House who may not be convinced to vote for the current Republican plan to replace Obamacare is growing. Currently there are nearly 60 members of Congress who have raised serious concerns about the legislation in interviews and on social media.

As of Wednesday morning, the number of Republicans in Congress who have expressed serious concerns about the bill as it stands — or outright said they would vote against it — is enough to kill the bill in both chambers.

Read more at The Washington Post.

2. "In a Repudiation of Trump, a Senior House Leader Rejects Wiretap Claim"

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, stated that there is so far absolutely no evidence to support President Trump’s Twitter allegation that former President Barack Obama ordered wiretapping of Trump Tower. Attorney General Jeff Sessions told reporters that he had given the president no indication there were any wiretaps during the election and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) threatened to delay confirmation by the Judiciary Committee of Trump’s nominee for Deputy Attorney General, Rod J. Rosenstein, until the F.B.I. answers his questions about Trump’s claims.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), also a member of the Judiciary Committee, "said during an appearance on CNN that he would also subpoena the F.B.I. to get the information if necessary."

Read more at The New York Times.

3. Fed Hikes.

The Federal Reserve voted to raise interest rates .25%, which will increase borrowing costs for consumers seeking short-terms loans and credit cards. The decision was based on recent job gains, increases to inflation and stability of financial markets. This is only the third increase since the Great Recession of 2008.

"Just one month ago, market participants believed the Fed would skip the March meeting and perhaps go in June. However, several officials including Chair Janet Yellen made comments that gradually convinced markets that the Fed was ready"

Read more at Business Insider.

4. Civic-based Tech Sees a Surge

"The Trump presidency has sparked a resurgent wave of political activism, from marches in the streets to jammed phone lines in congressional offices.

But in addition to the traditional methods of political speech, a new generation of citizens is turning to mobile apps to expand their civic activity. Since Donald Trump’s inauguration, several politics-focused apps have seen a rise in engagement."

Read more at The Wall Street Journal.

5. On first day in office, new Medicaid chief urges states to charge premiums, prod recipients to get jobs

Despite unwillingness during her confirmation hearings to commit to specific policies as the head of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, Seema Verma has already reached out to state officials in all 31 states that expanded Medicaid through Obamacare to advocate for policies similar to those she pursued in Indiana. Verma and HHS Secretary Tom Price sent a letter out Tuesday night "urging states to alter the insurance program for poor and disabled people by charging them insurance premiums, requiring them to pay part of emergency room bills and prodding them to get jobs".

Read more at *The Washington Post.

— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons)