The official also disputed the notion that a defeat on health care would slow Trump’s momentum on other fronts. “Our plan is if you don’t succeed, try, try again — and improve,” the official said.With the bill facing strong resistance on multiple fronts, Trump’s effort to shepherd it through Congress is shaping up as a pivotal test of an unorthodox president’s ability to wield influence in Washington, a growing number of Republicans say.
A win on an issue as fractious as health care could serve as a rallying point for even tougher fights ahead, including some Trump agenda items that wouldn’t otherwise be GOP priorities and others that would likely require Democratic support.
As a candidate for president, Trump promised that he would work with Congress to pass legislation that would dramatically cut taxes, spur $1 trillion in infrastructure investments, significantly expand school choice and make it easier to afford child care. And he promised he would get started on all that — and six other pieces of legislation — in his first 100 days, according to a “Contract with the American Voter” released shortly before Election Day.
Now past the 50-day mark, only one of those bills — the House GOP health-care plan — has been introduced.
“Clearly the longer it takes to pass one piece of legislation, the less time there is to pass other pieces of legislation,” the official said.
In the meantime, the official added, the executive branch is looking to make progress where it can without the assistance of Congress.
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