Trump Allows MacArthur Use Of His Bedminster Golf Club For Fundraiser, Report Says

BEDMINSTER - Got at least $5,400 to spare?

That will buy you a seat at a fundraiser for Congressman Tom MacArthur's June 11 fundraiser at the Trump National Bedminster golf course on June 11, according to a report on nj.com.

It's only been a month since MacArthur helped push throughTrump's healthcare bill through the House. Trump will be a "special guest" at the event, according to an official invitation that asked for contributions asking for $5,400 to $100,000, for tickets of varying access levels, the report states.

MacArthur, a former insurance executive, authored an amendment to the Affordable Health Care Act that would allow states to seek waivers from the requirements that insurers offer a specific package of benefits and not charge more for with pre-existing conditions.

His role in getting the bill passed through the House subsequently drew angry protests at a live town meeting in Willingboro last month and another earlier meeting in Waretown.

MacArthur, a Republican who voted May 4 for Trump's American Health Care Act that he helped revamp, was often interrupted and sometimes shouted at by the crowd during the five-hour meeting.

"I want every American to be able to afford healthcare. That's been my goal from the very beginning," MacArthur told the crowd."I hear your anger, I hear your frustration."

MacArthur, who helped revise a Republican bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, voted earlier this year against the GOP's earlier attempt to repeal Obamacare without offering a replacement. A subsequent GOP proposal was withdrawn because it lacked sufficient enough support.

The House passed the revamped bill by a 217-213 margin. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to receive substantial scrutiny and revisions.

MacArthur recently negotiated the bill amendment that loosens some health insurance regulations, including for people with pre-existing conditions, in order to gain the support of conservative Freedom Caucus members in the House.

MacArthur said at a March Town Hall meeting in Waretown that rushing the American Health Care was not a solution, that more time was needed.

"It's not fair to put all of the burden on the 21 million most vulnerable in this situation," MacArthur said at the meeting in March. "They're poor. They're working, but they make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid. I have made it crystal clear (to the Republican leadership) that if you try to pull the rug out from 21 million people, I can't support that."

MacArthur is running for his second Congressional term.

Image: Karen Wall