This is actually kinda scary.

The white house invites the most conservative Republicans and Manchin and Jones, Democratic senators from the most conservative states.

Are they trying to push through a bill by recruiting the most conservative Democrats?

Paul Ryan promised the freedom caucus that he would try to whip up votes for the goodlatte bill and that that bill will be the starting point. Maybe the Republicans are saying fuck it, we'll pass a conservative bill with as few Democrats as possible.

This also allows McConnel to keep his promise because a deal may be reached before February 8, so he won't have to bring anything to the floor.