In an attempt to fight back against claims from angry constituents, House Democrats have set up a war room. The goal is to provide members with answers to policy questions while they’re home over August recess, as well as monitor and respond to any media attacks.
House Democratic leaders have set up a healthcare “war room” to help their rank-and-file members navigate a tumultuous August in which they find themselves on the defensive on their signature issue.
The effort is being run out of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s (D-Md.) office, but is being manned around the clock by a rotation of leadership and key committee staff members, according to leadership aides.
Although the war room, or “healthcare hotline,” is primarily designed to give members the ability to get immediate health policy answers and updates from leadership offices, top Democrats are also planning to use it to help their colleagues respond effectively to political and press attacks, if necessary.
“The news is being monitored very closely,” a leadership aide said in describing the various functions of the healthcare hotline.