House members warned recess could be delayed over healthcare

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin Owen McCarthyOhio State sex scandal complicates Jordan’s possible Speaker bid Donald Trump is truly an independent president Poll: Seven in ten Americans think it's likely social media companies censor political views MORE's (R-Calif.) office is warning lawmakers that the departure date for their August recess may be delayed if the Senate passes an ObamaCare repeal bill.

 

"While last votes are currently scheduled to take place tomorrow, Members are advised that—pending Senate action on healthcare—the House schedule is subject to change. All Members should remain flexible in their travel plans over the next few days," read an advisory from McCarthy's office.

 

Senate Republicans are trying to pass legislation to undo the 2010 healthcare law, with a final vote possible early Friday morning.

 

The House is scheduled to leave for the August recess on Friday afternoon. But lawmakers could stay to either appoint members to a conference committee to iron out differences with the Senate or to take up whatever the Senate passes as-is.

 

Delaying the August break to take action on healthcare legislation produced out of the Senate would provide lawmakers with something to tout to their constituents when they return to their districts.

 

As it stands, House Republicans are still lacking any major legislative accomplishments sent to President Trump's desk.

 

But the possibility that the House might immediately send a pared-down healthcare measure to Trump for his signature could make it harder for wary senators to vote for it.

 

Many Republican senators have said they want to start to a conference committee to produce a final product, as a way to justify casting a vote in favor of a bill they don't entirely like this week.