Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., the co-sponsor of a healthcare bill that Republicans are aiming to pass, said that ABC talk show host Jimmy Kimmel does not fully understand how the bill would work.
"Jimmy doesn't understand, and not because he is a talk show host, but because we have never spoken. He has only heard from those on the left who are doing their best to preserve Obamacare," Cassidy said Thursday on "Fox & Friends."
"He has not heard from me. We have not spoken and I would love to talk to him about this," Cassidy added.
Kimmel has criticized the bill during his show, including saying Tuesday that Cassidy "lied right to my face" that people with pre-existing conditions would be covered.
Kimmel then elaborated on his concerns Wednesday, and said the healthcare bill is "the worst healthcare bill yet."
During the "Fox & Friends" appearance, Cassidy said the bill would require the government to issue approval for state healthcare plans, and would only be allowed to do so if pre-existing conditions were covered.
"The legislation says that nothing a governor asks for will be approved unless there is affordable and adequate coverage for those with pre-existing conditions," Cassidy said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the bill's co-sponsor, responded Wednesday to Kimmel's criticism. "I bet he looked at some liberal talking point, bought it hook, line, and sinker, and went after Bill Cassidy without talking to him," Graham said.
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