GOP senator on resolving healthcare differences: ‘Even porcupines make love’

Sen. Pat Roberts on Wednesday used a colorful animal metaphor to hint that GOP moderates and conservatives could still reach a deal on repealing ObamaCare.

When asked by reporters how the GOP could find common ground between the two sides, the Kansas Republican replied, “Even porcupines make love.”

The remark was quickly picked up on social media:

Pat Roberts, how can u get a bill that makes moderates and conservatives happy? “Even porcupines make love.”

— Nathaniel Weixel (@NateWeixel) June 28, 2017

Roberts on how do u address differences between mods and conservatives: “Even porcupines make love.”

— Robert King (@rking_19) June 28, 2017

Roberts, who wasn’t on the working group of Senate Republicans who crafted the GOP’s bill to repeal and replace ObamaCare, hasn’t yet stated how he will vote on the bill.

{mosads}

Nine GOP senators are opposed to the Senate bill in its current form. Conservative Republicans such as Sens. Mike Lee (Utah), Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rand Paul (Ky.) say it doesn’t go far enough in repealing the Affordable Care Act, while GOP moderates including Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Dean Heller (Nev.) have expressed fears it could leave too many without healthcare coverage.

The Republicans hold a slim 52-48 majority in the upper chamber, meaning they can only afford two GOP defections to pass the bill.

Roberts’s comments come the day after Senate leadership postponed a procedural vote on the legislation.