GOP lawmaker: Time for us to listen to Democrats on healthcare

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) on Friday called for a bipartisan approach to healthcare, hours after the GOP plan to repeal key parts of ObamaCare failed in the Senate.

Cole told “Morning Joe” that Republicans should sit down and listen to the ways that Democrats would want to fix ObamaCare, admitting that he has heard Democrats express frustrations with former President Barack Obama’s signature legislation.

“I think we should sit down with an open mind and listen to them,” he said. “Let’s see what your fixes are.”

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Cole added that Republicans should be open to trying to fix ObamaCare rather than focusing on just repealing it.

Cole later Friday insisted that he was not abandoning GOP efforts to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

“Let me be clear. The Affordable Care Act has been a failure. It has increased premiums, reduced patient choice, and placed tremendous financial burdens on thousands of hospitals in states that did not expand Medicaid,” he said in a statement.

“I have consistently voted to repeal and replace Obamacare. I believe it is ultimately unsustainable, and that Congress must address the issue honestly and candidly. If that means dealing seriously with Democrats who want to fix the problem, rather than exploit a political issue, I am more than willing to entertain those suggestions.”

The Senate failed to pass a “skinny” repeal bill early Friday morning after all Democrats and three Republicans voted against it. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) cast the deciding vote, calling for the GOP to work with the Democrats on healthcare reform.

Updated: 10:16 p.m.