Top Republican negotiators on a bill to stabilize ObamaCare markets met on Thursday to discuss a way to bridge the gap between House and Senate measures.

GOP Sens. Lamar Alexander Andrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderChamber of Commerce endorses McSally for reelection Trump health officials grilled over reports of politics in COVID-19 response Now is the time to renew our focus on students and their futures MORE (Tenn.) and Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsSenate Republicans face tough decision on replacing Ginsburg Democratic senator calls for eliminating filibuster, expanding Supreme Court if GOP fills vacancy What Senate Republicans have said about election-year Supreme Court vacancies MORE (Maine) met with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden Gregory (Greg) Paul WaldenTrump order on drug prices faces long road to finish line Ignore the misinformation: The FDA will ensure the safety of any COVID-19 vaccine Hillicon Valley: Trump backs potential Microsoft, TikTok deal, sets September deadline | House Republicans request classified TikTok briefing | Facebook labels manipulated Pelosi video MORE (R-Ore.) to discuss an effort to get ObamaCare stability measures included in a coming long-term government funding bill due in March, known as an omnibus.

“We actually think we're very close,” Alexander told reporters. “We hope it will be part of the omnibus.”

“We're comparing notes on the bills,” he added.

Walden discussed a bill from Rep. Ryan Costello Ryan Anthony CostellloTrump struggles to stay on script, frustrating GOP again Bottom line Former GOP Rep. Costello launches lobbying shop MORE (R-Pa.) which seeks to stabilize markets and bring down premiums by providing funding known as reinsurance.

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That measure is similar to a bill backed by Collins in the Senate, but there are some differences that need to be bridged. For example, the Costello bill provides more funding: $10 billion per year compared to $5 billion per year in Collins’s bill.

Alexander called Costello’s measure a “very promising proposal.”

“We were very impressed with the work that Rep. Costello has done and hope that it could be a part of what the House decides to do,” Alexander said.

House Republicans were a major impediment to passing the stabilization bills in December, when Collins secured a commitment from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE (R-Ky.) to support them in exchange for her vote for tax reform.

But GOP lawmakers have been warming to the proposal recently, particularly the reinsurance funding.

Some conservatives still oppose that idea as a “bailout” for ObamaCare.

Another obstacle is abortion politics. Republicans are adamant that the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions, be included in the stabilization measures, but Democrats are against anything they view as an expansion of the restrictions.

“Lowering premiums for hardworking Americans remains one of Chairman Walden’s top priorities and he appreciates Rep. Costello, Senator Alexander, and Senator Collins’ continued work on these issues,” an Energy and Commerce Committee spokesman said.