May 04, 2017
Far from the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one beloved and familiar song intended to pump up House GOP leaders ahead of Thursday's successful health care vote blared in Washington D.C.
The tune? None other than the theme to "Rocky."
The song played as House Speaker Paul Ryan held a meeting Thursday morning in the basement of the Capitol as lawmakers filed in, prepared to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. A photo of famed World War II combat Gen. George S. Patton was also projected onto a screen, according to The Hill.
House GOP revved up for #AHCA vote w/soundtrack at today's basement meeting: "Rocky" theme song & "Taking Care of Business"
— Lisa Mascaro (@LisaMascaro) May 4, 2017
Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., reportedly shouted, "Let's get this f--king thing done!" in the meeting, which the news site likened to a "pep rally."
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., also read inspirational quotes from Patton, while Ryan was described as "almost giddy" during the meeting, according to CNN.
It was a big day for the leaders who have hoped to do away with the Affordable Care Act for about seven years. After a failed first attempt, the measure passed Thursday by a 217-213 vote.
"Many of us are here because we pledged to cast this very vote," Ryan said ahead of the vote, according to The Associated Press. He added, "Are we going to keep the promises that we made, or are we going to falter?"
The bill will now be sent to the Senate, where GOP leaders are likely to change many aspects of the bill before it would become law.
