Republicans are throwing 'every sink in every kitchen they can find' to save their plan to repeal and replace Obamacare

The growing number of GOP lawmakers coming out publicly against the new version of the American Health Care Act — the bill to repeal and replace Obamacare — has already put the plan on a razor's edge of support. Leadership is attempting to shore up the centrist wing of the party by introducing new funding to protect sick Americans.

House Speaker Paul Ryan told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Wednesday that Republicans were "extremely close" to securing enough votes to pass the legislation, but he did not say whether the bill would come to a vote this week.

The main sticking point is an amendment added by Rep. Tom MacArthur, a centrist member from New Jersey who has long supported the AHCA. The amendment to the legislation that has also become known as "Trumpcare" was designed to win over conservatives.

It would allow states to apply for waivers to repeal parts of Obamacare's protections if they can prove it would lower costs. Conservatives members support the addition because they say it gives more flexibility to the states and gets closer to an full repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

On the other hand, some House GOP members, especially moderates, have expressed concerns about the latest version of the bill, because many health-policy analysts say the addition could undermine protections for people with preexisting conditions.

To counter their concerns, Rep. Fred Upton, who came out against the current version of the AHCA with the MacArthur amendment, is expected to introduce his own addition on Wednesday.

It's not yet clear what the final version of the legislation would look like. Axios reported Wednesday that Upton's addition would help soften the blow of the penalty incurred by people who allow their insurance to lapse, in an effort to protect people with preexisting conditions.

The Independent Journal Review, however, reported Tuesday night that the amendment would instead call for additional $8 billion in funding for the AHCA's

The last-ditch efforts come after White House and House GOP leaders pledged to get the healthcare bill through the House this week, setting another artificial deadline that has ramped up pressure to deliver the votes.

President Donald Trump said during a speech on Tuesday that "now is the time" to pass the healthcare bill and leaders from Vice President Mike Pence to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told the press that the bill would pass this week during appearances over the weekend.

There is also a growing sense that Republicans just want to get the bill through, no matter what the circumstances.

Rep. Tom Cole told Politico that the leadership would "

Republicans are throwing 'every sink in every kitchen they can find' to save their plan to repeal and replace Obamacare

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