House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Thursday lauded the passing of the revised American Healthcare Act as "an opportunity to show how premiums go down, have more choice, and let the individual decide what they need."
"As we walk through this and show people, I think you'll see a fundamental different change across the country," the California Republican told Dana Bash on CNN.
The revised American Health Care Act passed on a 217-213 tally that included one vote more than Republicans needed to ensure victory.
The move allowed Republicans to make good on their longtime pledge to repeal President Barack Obama's signature domestic legislation.
The AHCA now goes to the Senate. Many senators consider the House bill too harsh, and it is expected to undergo substantial changes.
The original healthcare bill failed in March after House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled it twice from a floor vote after strong opposition by the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
The revised legislation moved forward Thursday after an amendment that would add $8 billion over five years to cover Americans with preexisting conditions.
McCarthy said Obamacare was "on a downward spiral" – noting Aetna, one of the nation's largest insurers, announced recently it was pulling out of the Virginia exchange next year.
"Every day that goes forward, somebody loses healthcare because of Obamacare," he said.
"This about the individual market, about Medicaid – being able to sustain that – and about being able to provide it to individuals and give them a choice.
"No longer will government control all," he added. "No longer will your premiums go up and you have a high deductible."
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.