GOP May Try Hail Mary Pass to Repeal Alone.
What’s the story?
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) chose to withdraw the Senate healthcare bill from consideration late Monday following official announcements from Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) that they would not support the legislation. Questions remain whether McConnell will pursue a repeal without replace vote instead.
Why does it matter?
Republicans have campaigned on killing Obamacare for seven years. Many sitting members also voted for straight repeal in 2015 when veto was assured. McConnell seems ready to force their hand. Will they vote for repeal now, when the president is a Republican and sure to support the legislation?
The problem is the CBO has already scored a straight repeal. It wouldn’t qualify for the budget reconciliation process so it would have to get 60 votes to pass, not just a simple majority. That would be impossible.
What is the point for McConnell in pushing the repeal vote, then? Leaders in Congress like McConnell survive because they maintain a longer view.
Right now the majority of Americans want Congress to actually pass legislation, a task that the GOP has struggled with for months despite holding the majority in both Houses and the White House. Pushing the repeal vote potentially gets healthcare, which is currently dead in the water, off the docket so Congress can move on to other things. McConnell can say he tried everything.
It also plays to the GOP base, potentially protecting seats in the mid-terms. Those Republican senators who insisted on repeal may protect their seats while those moderates in swing states might as well by voting against it.
What can you do?
Do you think a straight repeal vote is a good idea? Should Congress work to shore up Obamacare? Should Congress move on to other issues?
Use the Take Action button to tell your reps what you think!
— Asha Sanaker
(Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr / Creative Commons)
The Latest
-
SCOTUS Hears Arguments of Abortion Pill Mifepristone CaseUpdated March 27, 2024, 12:30 p.m. EST On Tuesday, March 26, the Supreme Court heard arguments about the mifepristone case, read more... Women's Health
-
IT: ⛑️ It's American Red Cross Giving Day, and... How will you give back today?Welcome to Wednesday, March 27th, philanthropists and entrepreneurs... It's American Red Cross Giving Day - a time to ensure the read more...
-
Moscow Concert Hall, Russia’s Deadliest Attack in DecadesOn Friday, March 22, at least four men fired automatic weapons into a sold-out show at the Crocus City Hall auditorium in read more... Public Safety
-
Discover Gravvy — A New Way to Support What Matters MostDiscover Gravvy — A New Way to Support What Matters Most Are you ready to optimize your giving? read more...