Freedom Caucus Saved Paul Ryan’s Job: GOP Has Promises to Keep

Far too often, campaign rhetoric does not match legislation. For seven years, we heard long-winded speeches from the floor of the House and Senate against ObamaCare and repeated promises to repeal the 2010 law. That’s what conservatives expect. While the American Health Care Act has some very good reforms, including the expansion of health savings accounts (HSAs) and the modernization of Medicaid, it falls short of Republicans’ frequent pledges to repeal ObamaCare.

In 1994, Republicans won control of Congress on promises to reduce the size and scope of Congress. These promises were even documented in the “Contract with America,” which, among other things, pledged to eliminate a swath of government programs. Republicans also promised to pass legislation that would “cut the number of House committees, and cut committee staff by one-third” to decrease spending.