Roll over..

Freedom Caucus won't formally oppose repeal bill

By JENNIFER HABERKORN

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows said Monday night that Republican leaders are successfully picking off its members on the Affordable Care Act repeal — a sign that the repeal bill may get enough support on the House floor Thursday.

The hard-line conservative coalition won't take an official position against the bill even though they didn't get what it wanted in negotiations, he said. That could make it easier for members to break away.

He backed off earlier claims that there would be 40 "no" votes against the repeal effort.

“They’re already whipping with a whip that’s 10 feet long and 5 feet wide,” Meadows told reporters. The negotiations for now are over, he said.

“I’m not that bold to suggest that no one’s going will change their mind between now and Thursday,” he said. “In fact, I already know of people who have changed their mind.”

The group was meeting Monday night to discuss whether it will propose amendments in the Rules Committee. Meadows doesn't expect amendments on the floor on Thursday.