Republicans Say Employer Mandate Delay Is Proof That Affordable Care Act Should Be Repealed

Republicans have portrayed an announcement by the Obama administration that it is delaying for one year a requirement that large companies provide health insurance coverage to workers as proof that the law is not working and should be repealed. Meanwhile, other observers said the decision was politically motivated, suggesting that the Obama administration is trying to help Democrats by delaying the mandate until after the midterm elections. In related news, House Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee say they plan to hold hearings on the delay.

• "Postponing Health Rules Emboldens Republicans" (Calmes/Pear, New York Times, 7/3).
• "Delay of Health Care Mandate Reenergizes Law's Critics" (Gold, Washington Post, 7/3).