Democrats Hope To Put Republican Senators On Hot Spot With Vote To Block Short-Term Plans
With the midterm elections coming up, the vote would force Republicans to vote against popular protections such as coverage for preexisting health conditions.
The Associated Press:
Dems Will Try Forcing Senate Vote Against Trump Health Plan
Democrats will try forcing a campaign-season vote on blocking a Trump administration rule letting insurers sell short-term plans that are cheaper but skimpier than allowed under the Obama health care law, party leaders said Thursday. Though the effort has a chance of passing the narrowly divided Senate, it is certain to die in the Republican-controlled House and would never be signed by President Donald Trump. (8/2)
The Hill:
Senate Dems To Force Vote To Block Non-ObamaCare Insurance Plans
The resolution of disapproval will be introduced by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). During a call with reporters Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he thinks there will be unanimous support among Democrats once the resolution is introduced. The measure will only require 51 votes to pass, which would mean that in Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) absence the backers need to recruit one Republican to their cause. “All it takes is one or two Republicans who claim to support preexisting condition protections,” Schumer said. (Weixel, 8/2)
In other health law news —
Reuters:
Four U.S. Cities Sue Over Trump 'Sabotage' Of Obamacare
Four major U.S. cities filed a lawsuit on Thursday contending that President Donald Trump's administration is unconstitutionally seeking to undermine Obamacare by failing to faithfully execute the healthcare law. The complaint in federal court in Baltimore, filed by the cities of Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, alleged that the Republican president is "waging a relentless campaign to sabotage and, ultimately, to nullify the law." (Raymond, 8/2)