President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump revealed his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleet-wide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

Ypsilanti, Michigan – March 15, 2017

1. President Donald Trump arrives on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What the president announced today was he's going to review some fuel economy standards that were put in place by the Obama administration's Environmental Protection Agency. He's going to review those and possibly weaken them so they make it easier for automakers to comply."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"I'm sure you've all heard the big news that we're going to work on the CAFE standards, so you can make cars in America again. We're going to help the companies, and they're going to help you."

4. Various of Trump on stage and the "Buy American – Hire American" sign behind him

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"There are many, many environmental groups that would disagree that it's going to create any more jobs. There have been a lot of jobs created in meeting the standards over the years, but, if the automakers can comply easier and they can make more trucks and SUVs, they make more money. And that more than likely means more jobs as well."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"We are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We're going to be fair. We're going to be fair."

7. Various of vehicles at the event site

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What this does is set up a confrontation with California, or a potential confrontation. California has different clean-air standards, and if the Trump administration relaxes what Obama had put in place right before he left office, California would want still the standard under the Obama administration _ the 36 mile-per-gallon standard. If that happens, the Trump administration might try to take away California's power to set its own emissions standards. And that could set off a big court fight. But that's probably a year, year-and-a-half down the road."

9. Trump waves to the crowd after his speech

President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to re-examine federal requirements governing the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, moving forcefully against Obama-era environmental regulations that Trump says are stifling economic growth.

Trump revealed his plans during a speech at an automotive testing center near Detroit.

The EPA under Obama had promulgated a rule for cars and trucks requiring a fleet-wide average of 36 mpg in real-world driving by 2025.

Trump's announcement, while having no immediate effect, is expected to set the stage for weaker fuel efficiency standards as well as drawn-out legal battles with environmental groups and states such as California that adopted their own tough tailpipe standards for drivers.

Ypsilanti, Michigan – March 15, 2017

1. President Donald Trump arrives on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What the president announced today was he's going to review some fuel economy standards that were put in place by the Obama administration's Environmental Protection Agency. He's going to review those and possibly weaken them so they make it easier for automakers to comply."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"I'm sure you've all heard the big news that we're going to work on the CAFE standards, so you can make cars in America again. We're going to help the companies, and they're going to help you."

4. Various of Trump on stage and the "Buy American – Hire American" sign behind him

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"There are many, many environmental groups that would disagree that it's going to create any more jobs. There have been a lot of jobs created in meeting the standards over the years, but, if the automakers can comply easier and they can make more trucks and SUVs, they make more money. And that more than likely means more jobs as well."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"We are going to ensure that any regulations we have protect and defend your jobs, your factories. We're going to be fair. We're going to be fair."

7. Various of vehicles at the event site

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer:

"What this does is set up a confrontation with California, or a potential confrontation. California has different clean-air standards, and if the Trump administration relaxes what Obama had put in place right before he left office, California would want still the standard under the Obama administration _ the 36 mile-per-gallon standard. If that happens, the Trump administration might try to take away California's power to set its own emissions standards. And that could set off a big court fight. But that's probably a year, year-and-a-half down the road."

9. Trump waves to the crowd after his speech

US Vice President Mike Pence is taking the Trump administration's case for a health care overhaul to Kentucky, where one of the state's GOP senators has been a leading critic of the White House-backed plan and the governor is unimpressed with the current proposal to replace the Obama-era law.

Pence has been the chief salesman for President Donald Trump's push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

The House is expected to vote on the bill in less than two weeks but faces fierce resistance from critics, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has called the initial draft "Obamacare Lite."

Several influential conservative groups such as Heritage Action, FreedomWorks and the Club for Growth have come out against the plan.

Pence suggested this week that the Trump administration was open to negotiating changes to the bill, saying the House legislation, which was introduced this week and was cleared by two committees, was simply the start of the process.

Conservatives have urged the White House to halt the extra money Obama's law gives states to expand the federal-state Medicaid program for 70 million low-income people.

The GOP bill would end that additional funding in 2020 except for those already in the program, but conservatives want to accelerate that to 2018 to save money.

In Kentucky, Democrats have praised former Gov. Steve Beshear's use of the health care law to drive down the state's uninsured rate and his smooth rollout of kynect, the state-run exchange, even while Obama struggled with the national release of healthcare.gov.

But Bevin, Beshear's successor, has warned that the state cannot afford to pay for its growing Medicaid program, which has cost the state millions more than initially expected and now covers more than 25 percent of the state's population.

He has dismantled Kentucky's state-based exchange but indicated he would not favour eliminating the federal health insurance exchange.

The event at the Harshaw Trane facility is in the hometown of Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who was not attending due to a scheduling conflict.

+++BLACK FRAMES BETWEEN SOUNDBITES+++

POOL

Louisville, Kentucky - 11 March 2017

1. Zoom into US Vice President Pence walking on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, US Vice President

"Most importantly of all, the top priority the president gave us, to work with members of Congress to make sure the Obamacare nightmare is about to end."

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, US Vice President

"Virtually every promise of Obamacare has been broken. We all remember the promises they made back in 2010 when it was signed into law. They told us the cost of health insurance would go down. Not true. They told us if you like your doctors, you could keep them. Not true. They told us if you like your health plan, you can keep it. Not true. Here are the heartbreaking facts. Today Americans are paying 3,000 dollars more on average for health insurance than the day Obamacare was signed into law. Last year alone premiums spiked by 25 percent, and millions have lost their health insurance plans, and lost their doctors. And in one-third of the nation's counties, Americans only have one insurance company to choose from, which essentially means, they have no choice at all."

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, US Vice President

"We're going to give Americans more choices. We'll expand health savings accounts. We'll give Americans a tax credit that will help people buy plans that they need at a price they can afford. We'll make sure Americans with pre-existing conditions still have access to the coverage and the care they need. And to all the parents here, we'll make sure you can keep your kids on your plan until they are 26 years of age."

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"And under President Trump's leadership, we're going to finally allow Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines the way you buy life insurance, the way you buy car insurance. (Applause)

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, US Vice President

"President Trump and I both know the way to lower the cost of health insurance is to create a national marketplace and give Americans more choices to buy the insurance they want, not the insurance the government mandates them to have. Folks let me be clear, and there's going to be a battle in Washington DC. And for us to seize the opportunity to repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all, we need every Republican in Congress and we're counting on Kentucky. President Trump and I know at the end of the day after a good and vigorous debate, we know Kentucky will be there, and we will repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all."

7. Wide of Pence on stage after speech

8. Mid of Pence shaking hands after speech

Vice President Mike Pence is taking the Trump administration's case for a health care overhaul to Kentucky, where one of the state's GOP senators has been a leading critic of the White House-backed plan and the governor is unimpressed with the current proposal to replace the Obama-era law.

Pence has been the chief salesman for President Donald Trump's push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

The House is expected to vote on the bill in less than two weeks but faces fierce resistance from critics, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has called the initial draft "Obamacare Lite."

Several influential conservative groups such as Heritage Action, FreedomWorks and the Club for Growth have come out against the plan.

Pence suggested this week that the Trump administration was open to negotiating changes to the bill, saying the House legislation, which was introduced this week and was cleared by two committees, was simply the start of the process.

Conservatives have urged the White House to halt the extra money Obama's law gives states to expand the federal-state Medicaid program for 70 million low-income people.

The GOP bill would end that additional funding in 2020 except for those already in the program, but conservatives want to accelerate that to 2018 to save money.

In Kentucky, Democrats have praised former Gov. Steve Beshear's use of the health care law to drive down the state's uninsured rate and his smooth rollout of kynect, the state-run exchange, even while Obama struggled with the national release of healthcare.gov.

But Bevin, Beshear's successor, has warned that the state cannot afford to pay for its growing Medicaid program, which has cost the state millions more than initially expected and now covers more than 25 percent of the state's population. He has dismantled Kentucky's state-based exchange but indicated he would not favor eliminating the federal health insurance exchange.

The event at the Harshaw Trane facility is in the hometown of Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who was not attending due to a scheduling conflict.

POOL

Louisville, Kentucky - 11 March 2017

+++BLACK FRAMES BETWEEN SOUNDBITES+++

1. Zoom into med shot of Vice President Pence walking on stage

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

Most important of all, the top priority the president gave us, to work with members of Congress to make sure the Obamacare nightmare is about to end.

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

Virtually every promise of Obamacare has been broken. We all remember the promises they made back in 2010 when it was signed into law. They told us the cost of health insurance would go down. Not true. They told us if you like your doctors, you could keep them. Not true. They told us if you like your health plan, you can keep it. Not true. Here are the heartbreaking facts. Today Americans are paying 3000 dollars more on average for health insurance than the day Obamacare was signed into law. Last year alone premiums spiked by 25 percent, and millions have lost their health insurance plans, and lost their doctors. And in one-third of the nation's counties, Americans only have one insurance company to choose from, which essentially means, they have no choice at all.

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"We're going to give Americans more choices. We'll expand health savings accounts. We'll give Americans a tax credit that will help people buy plans that they need at a price they can afford. We'll make sure Americans with pre-existing conditions still have access to the coverage and the care they need. And to all the parents here, we'll make sure you ca keep your kids on your plan until they are 26 years of age."

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"And under President Trump's leadership, we're going to finally allow Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines the way you buy life insurance, the way you buy car insurance. (Applause)

+++BLACK FRAMES+++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"President Trump and I both know the way to lower the cost of health insurance is to create a national marketplace and give Americans more choices to buy the insurance they want, not the insurance the government mandates. Folks let me be clear, and there's going to be a battle in Washington DC. And for us to seize the opportunity to repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all, we need every Republican in Congress and we're counting on Kentucky. President Trump and I know at the end of the day after a good and vigorous debate, Kentucky will be there, and we will repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all."

7. Wide of Pence on stage after speech

8. Mid of Pence shaking hands after speech

Vice President Mike Pence is taking the Trump administration's case for a health care overhaul to Kentucky, where one of the state's GOP senators has been a leading critic of the White House-backed plan and the governor is unimpressed with the current proposal to replace the Obama-era law.

Pence has been the chief salesman for President Donald Trump's push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

The House is expected to vote on the bill in less than two weeks but faces fierce resistance from critics, including Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has called the initial draft "Obamacare Lite." Several influential conservative groups such as Heritage Action, FreedomWorks and the Club for Growth have come out against the plan.

Pence suggested this week that the Trump administration was open to negotiating changes to the bill, saying the House legislation, which was introduced this week and was cleared by two committees, was simply the start of the process.

Conservatives have urged the White House to halt the extra money Obama's law gives states to expand the federal-state Medicaid program for 70 million low-income people.

The GOP bill would end that additional funding in 2020 except for those already in the program, but conservatives want to accelerate that to 2018 to save money.

In Kentucky, Democrats have praised former Gov. Steve Beshear's use of the health care law to drive down the state's uninsured rate and his smooth rollout of kynect, the state-run exchange, even while Obama struggled with the national release of healthcare.gov.

But Bevin, Beshear's successor, has warned that the state cannot afford to pay for its growing Medicaid program, which has cost the state millions more than initially expected and now covers more than 25 percent of the state's population. He has dismantled Kentucky's state-based exchange but indicated he would not favor eliminating the federal health insurance exchange.

The event at the Harshaw Trane facility is in the hometown of Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who was not attending due to a scheduling conflict.

POOL

Louisville, Kentucky - 11 March 2017

1. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

Most important of all, the top priority the president gave us, to work with members of Congress to make sure the Obamacare nightmare is about to end.

+++WHITE FLASH+++

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

Virtually every promise of Obamacare has been broken. We all remember the promises they made back in 2010 when it was signed into law. They told us the cost of health insurance would go down. Not true. They told us if you like your doctors, you could keep them. Not true. They told us if you like your health plan, you can keep it. Not true. Here are the heartbreaking facts. Today Americans are paying 3000 dollars more on average for health insurance than the day Obamacare was signed into law. Last year alone premiums spiked by 25 percent, and millions have lost their health insurance plans, and lost their doctors. And in one-third of the nation's counties, Americans only have one insurance company to choose from, which essentially means, they have no choice at all.

+++WHITE FLASH+++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"We're going to give Americans more choices. We'll expand health savings accounts. We'll give Americans a tax credit that will help people buy plans that they need at a price they can afford. We'll make sure Americans with pre-existing conditions still have access to the coverage and the care they need. And to all the parents here, we'll make sure you ca keep your kids on your plan until they are 26 years of age."

+++WHITE FLASH+++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"And under President Trump's leadership, we're going to finally allow Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines the way you buy life insurance, the way you buy car insurance. (Applause)

+++WHITE FLASH+++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mike Pence, Vice President

"President Trump and I both know the way to lower the cost of health insurance is to create a national marketplace and give Americans more choices to buy the insurance they want, not the insurance the government mandates. Folks let me be clear, and there's going to be a battle in Washington DC. And for us to seize the opportunity to repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all, we need every Republican in Congress and we're counting on Kentucky. President Trump and I know at the end of the day after a good and vigorous debate, Kentucky will be there, and we will repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all."

Juul Labs is halting all U.S. advertising of its e-cigarettes and replacing its CEO amid a nationwide backlash against vaping.

The largest e-cigarette maker also said Wednesday it won't fight a sweeping ban on flavours proposed by the Trump administration to reverse a surge in underage vaping.

Juul's CEO will be replaced by a senior executive from Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes.

Altria took a 35% stake in Juul in December at a cost of 13 billion US dollars.

The shake-up comes amid growing public furor over vaping that has triggered calls for tighter restrictions at the federal and state levels.

Massachusetts said Tuesday it will ban all vaping products for four months, the first such step in the country.

E-cigarettes have been largely unregulated since first arriving in the U.S. in 2007.

After multiple delays, the Food and Drug Administration has set a deadline of next May for manufacturers to submit their products for review.

The makers of e-cigarettes are now fighting to survive as they face two public health debacles linked to vaping: a mysterious lung illness and rising use of e-cigarettes by teenagers.

Juul's new chief, K.C. Crosthwaite, in a statement, said Juul has long focused on providing adult smokers with alternatives, but recognized that there's "unacceptable levels of youth usage and eroding public confidence in our industry."

Health experts generally consider e-cigarettes less harmful than traditional cigarettes because they don't contain all the cancer-causing byproducts of burning tobacco.

But there's virtually no long-term research on the health effects of the aerosol produced by vaping.

E-cigarettes generally heat a liquid with nicotine to create a vapour.

Public health officials are investigating hundreds of recent cases of the breathing ailment.

Most of the illnesses have involved vaping THC from marijuana, but officials have not yet implicated any common product or ingredient.

Meanwhile, underage vaping has reached epidemic levels, according to top government health officials.

In a government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month.

Federal law bans sales to those under 18.

Also on Wednesday, tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris International said they were calling off merger talks a month after first floating a deal that would have created the world's largest tobacco company.

Altria's stake in Juul was considered a key factor in the deal.

And a combination with Philip Morris would have given Juul access to the tobacco company's global network and resources.

Juul's e-cigarettes first went on sale in 2015 and the company quickly propelled itself to the top of the market with a combination of high-nicotine pods, dessert and fruit flavours and viral marketing.

Today, the San Francisco company controls roughly 70% of the U.S. e-cigarette market.

In the last year, Juul tried to reposition itself as a brand for middle-age smokers looking to wean themselves off cigarettes.

But the FDA warned the company this month that its product hasn't yet been approved to help smokers quit.

Juul has tried to head off a crackdown with a series of voluntary steps, including halting retail sales of several flavours and shutting down its social media presence.

But political pressure has only increased.

The company now faces multiple investigations from Congress, several federal agencies - including the FDA - and state attorneys general.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said that the federal government will act to ban thousands of flavours used in e-cigarettes because they appeal to underage users.

Crosthwaite, who was Altria's chief growth officer, replaces Juul's CEO, Kevin Burns.

Altria and Philip Morris said last month that they were in discussions to become a single company, more than a decade after splitting into two as lawsuits mounted.

Altria has exclusively sold Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco brands in the U.S., while Philip Morris has handled international sales.

Philip Morris International Inc. CEO André Calantzopoulos said Wednesday that the companies will instead focus on launching IQOS in the U.S. IQOS is a heat-not-burn cigarette alternative made by Philip Morris. Crosthwaite headed the development of IQOS.

New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of a young couple vaping

2. Various of a woman vaping

New York – 1 September 2019

3. Man vaping

4. Woman walking and vaping

New York – 18 September 2019

5. Tight of man vaping

Richmond, Virginia – 22 March 2003

6. Phillip Morris' headquarters in Richmond

7. Various of tobacco cigarette production at Phillip Morris

8. Various of Phillip Morris website

New York – Date Unknown

9. Various exteriors of New York headquarters

Juul Labs is halting all U.S. advertising of its e-cigarettes and replacing its CEO amid a nationwide backlash against vaping.

The largest e-cigarette maker also said Wednesday it won't fight a sweeping ban on flavours proposed by the Trump administration to reverse a surge in underage vaping.

Juul's CEO will be replaced by a senior executive from Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes.

Altria took a 35% stake in Juul in December at a cost of 13 billion US dollars.

The shake-up comes amid growing public furor over vaping that has triggered calls for tighter restrictions at the federal and state levels.

Massachusetts said Tuesday it will ban all vaping products for four months, the first such step in the country.

E-cigarettes have been largely unregulated since first arriving in the U.S. in 2007.

After multiple delays, the Food and Drug Administration has set a deadline of next May for manufacturers to submit their products for review.

The makers of e-cigarettes are now fighting to survive as they face two public health debacles linked to vaping: a mysterious lung illness and rising use of e-cigarettes by teenagers.

Juul's new chief, K.C. Crosthwaite, in a statement, said Juul has long focused on providing adult smokers with alternatives, but recognized that there's "unacceptable levels of youth usage and eroding public confidence in our industry."

Health experts generally consider e-cigarettes less harmful than traditional cigarettes because they don't contain all the cancer-causing byproducts of burning tobacco.

But there's virtually no long-term research on the health effects of the aerosol produced by vaping.

E-cigarettes generally heat a liquid with nicotine to create a vapour.

Public health officials are investigating hundreds of recent cases of the breathing ailment.

Most of the illnesses have involved vaping THC from marijuana, but officials have not yet implicated any common product or ingredient.

Meanwhile, underage vaping has reached epidemic levels, according to top government health officials.

In a government survey, more than 1 in 4 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the previous month.

Federal law bans sales to those under 18.

Also on Wednesday, tobacco giants Altria and Philip Morris International said they were calling off merger talks a month after first floating a deal that would have created the world's largest tobacco company.

Altria's stake in Juul was considered a key factor in the deal.

And a combination with Philip Morris would have given Juul access to the tobacco company's global network and resources.

Juul's e-cigarettes first went on sale in 2015 and the company quickly propelled itself to the top of the market with a combination of high-nicotine pods, dessert and fruit flavours and viral marketing.

Today, the San Francisco company controls roughly 70% of the U.S. e-cigarette market.

In the last year, Juul tried to reposition itself as a brand for middle-age smokers looking to wean themselves off cigarettes.

But the FDA warned the company this month that its product hasn't yet been approved to help smokers quit.

Juul has tried to head off a crackdown with a series of voluntary steps, including halting retail sales of several flavours and shutting down its social media presence.

But political pressure has only increased.

The company now faces multiple investigations from Congress, several federal agencies - including the FDA - and state attorneys general.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said that the federal government will act to ban thousands of flavours used in e-cigarettes because they appeal to underage users.

Crosthwaite, who was Altria's chief growth officer, replaces Juul's CEO, Kevin Burns.

Altria and Philip Morris said last month that they were in discussions to become a single company, more than a decade after splitting into two as lawsuits mounted.

Altria has exclusively sold Marlboro cigarettes and other tobacco brands in the U.S., while Philip Morris has handled international sales.

Philip Morris International Inc. CEO André Calantzopoulos said Wednesday that the companies will instead focus on launching IQOS in the U.S. IQOS is a heat-not-burn cigarette alternative made by Philip Morris. Crosthwaite headed the development of IQOS.

New York - 18 September 2019

1. Various of a young couple vaping

2. Various of a woman vaping

New York – 1 September 2019

3. Man vaping

4. Woman walking and vaping

New York – 18 September 2019

5. Tight of man vaping

Richmond, Virginia – 22 March 2003

6. Phillip Morris' headquarters in Richmond

7. Various of tobacco cigarette production at Phillip Morris

8. Various of Phillip Morris website

New York – Date Unknown

9. Various exteriors of New York headquarters

A defiant Vice President Mike Pence says President Donald Trump's administration is refusing to accept defeat on health care.

A day after legislation was pulled off the House floor that would have unraveled former President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, Pence told a gathering Saturday in Scott Depot, West Virginia, that "we will end the Obamacare nightmare and give the American people the world class health care that they deserve."

He told a few hundred people at construction materials firm Foster Supply that Friday's setback was a victory for the status quo in Washington, D.C., "but I promise you that victory won't last very long."

Earlier, Pence and U.S. Small Business Administrator leader Linda McMahon held a private discussion with a dozen business owners about the challenges they face.

POOL

Scott Depot, West Virginia - 25 March 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

1. Vice President Mike Pence walks toward podium after greeting Small Business Administrator leader Linda McMahon

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"You know, Linda, we're grateful for your leadership, but maybe we could've used a few of your WWE super stars on Capitol Hill yesterday. Give her another round of applause for leading the Small Business Administration."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"And I heard again from these West Virginia small business owners about the need to repeal and replace Obamacare. They told me about how Obamacare stands in the way and stifles growth. It's a burden not just to job creators, it's also a burden to the American people."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"Because every promise of Obamacare has been broken. You all remember what they were. Seven years ago after Obamacare was signed into law, they told us if you like your doctor, you can keep them. Not true. They said if you like your health plan, you can keep it. Not true. We were all told that the cost of health insurance would go down. Well that one wasn't true either. And West Virginia knows this better than most: it's heartbreaking to say it, last year alone, Obamacare premiums here in West Virginia spiked by a stunning 32 percent."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"West Virginians and President Trump, we all know the truth about this failed law -- that everyday Obamacare survives, is another day that America suffers. That's why the President worked tirelessly over the last several weeks to get Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare. You saw his resolve to work with whoever he needed to work with, to call whoever he needed to call to get our plan over across the finish line this week on Capitol Hill. I've gotta tell you -- I was inspired by President Trump's determination and commitment to keep his promise to the American people."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"And the president and I are grateful to Speaker Paul Ryan and all the House Republicans who stood with us in this effort to begin the end of Obamacare, but as we all learned yesterday, Congress just wasn't ready. You saw it. With 100 percent of House Democrats -- every single one -- and a handful of Republicans actually standing in the way of President Trump's plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, we're back to the drawing board."

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the Democrats in Congress actually said yesterday was a 'victory' for the American people. But West Virginia knows better. Yesterday wasn't a victory for the American people. It was a victory for the status quo in Washington, D.C. And it was a victory for the disaster of Obamacare. But I promise you -- that victory won't last very long."

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"As the president promised just this morning, we'll all get together and piece together a great health care plan for the people. We will end the Obamacare nightmare and give the American people the world-class health care that they deserve."

9. Wide of stage

A defiant Vice President Mike Pence says President Donald Trump's administration is refusing to accept defeat on health care.

A day after legislation was pulled off the House floor that would have unraveled former President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, Pence told a gathering Saturday in Scott Depot, West Virginia, that "we will end the Obamacare nightmare and give the American people the world class health care that they deserve."

He told a few hundred people at construction materials firm Foster Supply that Friday's setback was a victory for the status quo in Washington, D.C., "but I promise you that victory won't last very long."

Earlier, Pence and U.S. Small Business Administrator leader Linda McMahon held a private discussion with a dozen business owners about the challenges they face.

POOL

Scott Depot, West Virginia - 25 March 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

1. Vice President Mike Pence walks toward podium after greeting Small Business Administrator leader Linda McMahon

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"You know, Linda, we're grateful for your leadership, but maybe we could've used a few of your WWE super stars on Capitol Hill yesterday. Give her another round of applause for leading the Small Business Administration."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"And I heard again from these West Virginia small business owners about the need to repeal and replace Obamacare. They told me about how Obamacare stands in the way and stifles growth. It's a burden not just to job creators, it's also a burden to the American people."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"Because every promise of Obamacare has been broken. You all remember what they were. Seven years ago after Obamacare was signed into law, they told us if you like your doctor, you can keep them. Not true. They said if you like your health plan, you can keep it. Not true. We were all told that the cost of health insurance would go down. Well that one wasn't true either. And West Virginia knows this better than most: it's heartbreaking to say it, last year alone, Obamacare premiums here in West Virginia spiked by a stunning 32 percent."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"West Virginians and President Trump, we all know the truth about this failed law -- that everyday Obamacare survives, is another day that America suffers. That's why the President worked tirelessly over the last several weeks to get Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare. You saw his resolve to work with whoever he needed to work with, to call whoever he needed to call to get our plan over across the finish line this week on Capitol Hill. I've gotta tell you -- I was inspired by President Trump's determination and commitment to keep his promise to the American people."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"And the president and I are grateful to Speaker Paul Ryan and all the House Republicans who stood with us in this effort to begin the end of Obamacare, but as we all learned yesterday, Congress just wasn't ready. You saw it. With 100 percent of House Democrats -- every single one -- and a handful of Republicans actually standing in the way of President Trump's plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, we're back to the drawing board."

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the Democrats in Congress actually said yesterday was a 'victory' for the American people. But West Virginia knows better. Yesterday wasn't a victory for the American people. It was a victory for the status quo in Washington, D.C. And it was a victory for the disaster of Obamacare. But I promise you -- that victory won't last very long."

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"As the president promised just this morning, we'll all get together and piece together a great health care plan for the people. We will end the Obamacare nightmare and give the American people the world-class health care that they deserve."

9. Wide of stage

A defiant Vice President Mike Pence says President Donald Trump's administration is refusing to accept defeat on health care.

A day after legislation was pulled off the House floor that would have unraveled former President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, Pence told a gathering Saturday in Scott Depot, West Virginia, that "we will end the Obamacare nightmare and give the American people the world class health care that they deserve."

He told a few hundred people at construction materials firm Foster Supply that Friday's setback was a victory for the status quo in Washington, D.C., "but I promise you that victory won't last very long."

Earlier, Pence and U.S. Small Business Administrator leader Linda McMahon held a private discussion with a dozen business owners about the challenges they face.

POOL

Scott Depot, West Virginia - 25 March 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK FRAMES++

++QUALITY AS INCOMING++

1. Vice President Mike Pence walks toward podium after greeting Small Business Administrator leader Linda McMahon

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"You know, Linda, we're grateful for your leadership, but maybe we could've used a few of your WWE super stars on Capitol Hill yesterday. Give her another round of applause for leading the Small Business Administration."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"And I heard again from these West Virginia small business owners about the need to repeal and replace Obamacare. They told me about how Obamacare stands in the way and stifles growth. It's a burden not just to job creators, it's also a burden to the American people."

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"Because every promise of Obamacare has been broken. You all remember what they were. Seven years ago after Obamacare was signed into law, they told us if you like your doctor, you can keep them. Not true. They said if you like your health plan, you can keep it. Not true. We were all told that the cost of health insurance would go down. Well that one wasn't true either. And West Virginia knows this better than most: it's heartbreaking to say it, last year alone, Obamacare premiums here in West Virginia spiked by a stunning 32 percent."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"West Virginians and President Trump, we all know the truth about this failed law -- that everyday Obamacare survives, is another day that America suffers. That's why the President worked tirelessly over the last several weeks to get Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare. You saw his resolve to work with whoever he needed to work with, to call whoever he needed to call to get our plan over across the finish line this week on Capitol Hill. I've gotta tell you -- I was inspired by President Trump's determination and commitment to keep his promise to the American people."

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"And the president and I are grateful to Speaker Paul Ryan and all the House Republicans who stood with us in this effort to begin the end of Obamacare, but as we all learned yesterday, Congress just wasn't ready. You saw it. With 100 percent of House Democrats -- every single one -- and a handful of Republicans actually standing in the way of President Trump's plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, we're back to the drawing board."

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the Democrats in Congress actually said yesterday was a 'victory' for the American people. But West Virginia knows better. Yesterday wasn't a victory for the American people. It was a victory for the status quo in Washington, D.C. And it was a victory for the disaster of Obamacare. But I promise you -- that victory won't last very long."

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Vice President Mike Pence:

"As the president promised just this morning, we'll all get together and piece together a great health care plan for the people. We will end the Obamacare nightmare and give the American people the world-class health care that they deserve."

9. Wide of stage