McConnell Fast-Tracks Bill To Repeal Major ACA Provisions
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has fast-tracked a budget reconciliation bill (HR 3762) that would dismantle the Affordable Care Act by repealing some of its major provisions, The Hill’s "Floor Action" reports.
McConnell used a procedural maneuver to allow the bill to bypass the committee process and place the measure directly on the Senate's voting calendar. McConnell said the Senate will vote on the bill after its Thanksgiving recess, which concludes Nov. 30. According to "Floor Action," a date for the vote has not yet been scheduled (Carney, "Floor Action," The Hill, 11/19).
Background
The budget reconciliation process allows legislation to advance through the Senate on a simple majority vote. The process can be used to target aspects of the ACA that address spending and revenue, meaning the technique could not uproot the entire law.
The House last month voted 240-189 to approve HR 3762, which aims to dismantle the ACA by repealing the law's:
- "Cadillac" and medical device taxes; and
- Individual and employer mandates.
In addition, the measure would strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood for one year and redirect some of the funding to community health care centers.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would reduce federal spending by $79 billion over 10 years.
Chances of Passage
After the budget reconciliation measure passed the House, three conservative senators said they plan to oppose the bill because it does not go far enough to repeal the ACA.
If just five Republicans vote against it, the bill will not pass the Senate.
The Obama administration has said President Obama would veto the reconciliation measure if it passes through Congress. Republicans likely lack the votes needed to override a veto (California Healthline, 11/11).
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