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Republicans pushed a health-care bill through the House Thursday that few lawmakers truly liked. They instead viewed the measure as a necessary step to demonstrate some sense of momentum and some ability to govern in GOP-controlled Washington. (Kane, 5/4)

Republicans have been saying this particular bill was set to pass because it’s a now-or-never situation — especially after the embarrassing collapse of the first effort in March — and they’re been finding solace in the idea that the legislation won't be the final product anyway. Rep. Luke Messer, an Indiana Republican, called it a "green flag" and a "start." (Dawsey, 5/4)

The vote was about health care, but it was a display of political theater, too. Representatives sent a message not to hospitals, doctors and patients but to President Donald Trump and his devoted followers who propelled the GOP to power. “The president needed a win and so does House Speaker Paul Ryan,” said Jason Fichtner, a health care expert at the conservative Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. “With this vote, they can go back to their constituents and say they did something about Obamacare.” (Galewitz, 5/4)