Free Republic

The new bill includes major changes to the original. One of the most significant was the inclusion of an amendment by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, which would allow insurers offering Obamacare plans to also offer cheaper, bare-bones policies. The amendment was included in an effort to earn more conservative support, but could also drive away some moderates who fear the amendment could drive up premiums for those with pre-existing conditions.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) will support the new version of the GOP ObamaCare replacement bill, a major boost for the measure's chances of passage in the upper chamber. "If this is the bill, I will support this bill," Cruz told reporters Thursday after a meeting of GOP senators. "Now, if it’s amended and we lose the protections that lower premiums my view could well change." An amendment from Cruz to allow insurers to offer plans that do not meet ObamaCare requirements was included in the new bill in a key move to win his support.