RSC Chairman Mark Walker expressed several concerns with the AHCA. | AP Photo Republican Study Committee backs two Medicaid changes to Obamacare repeal bill

The Republican Study Committee is backing two proposed changes to the Obamacare repeal bill that could help win over conservatives to the measure, which has been in a markup before the House Energy and Commerce Committee for nearly 24 hours.

The group, which rarely takes positions on amendments in committee, supports a proposal from Reps. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) that would freeze Medicaid enrollment under enhanced Obamacare rates at the end of 2017, two years sooner than the GOP repeal bill allows.


The group is also backing an amendment from Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) to institute work requirements in Medicaid for able-bodied, childless adults.

The changes could go a long way in winning over conservatives who say the repeal bill put forward by House leaders is nothing more than "Obamacare Lite." The endorsements underscore the bill's high profile and the need for Republicans to come together to get it through the House.

RSC Chairman Mark Walker told reporters Wednesday that his chief concerns with the bill are the refundable nature of the tax credits and moving up the freeze on the Medicaid expansion.

We have "concern [with] adding all these people in but then in 2020 trying to back it off again," Walker said of Medicaid. "If we can get some movement in those areas, I think the RSC steering committee as a whole is close to being able to move forward."

Both amendments are likely to face strong opposition by Democrats.



Ryan: This is the last chance to repeal Obamacare Speaker Ryan talks about Obamacare on Thursday.