The Republican’s ability to repeal the Affordable Care Act is narrowing, and they have still yet to get the votes they need. The latest issue facing the GOP’s replacement bill is whether the provision of guaranteed access should be given to those with pre-existing health conditions, a feature mandated by the ACA. An amendment to the GOP bill that allows states to get rid of this requirement has gained some conservative votes but left the more moderate Republican supporters feeling concerned. The GOP’s next move could go one of several ways. The bill could be passed shortly with only 51 votes, rather than the usual number, using a special budget procedure and possibly with an amendment to include waivers for pre-existing conditions. The House could also put the health care debate aside for now, confounding President Trump’s promises to enact a “repeal and replace” health law. The House could move onto tax reform, using the same expedited budget procedure. Congress could also attempt to overhaul the ACA incrementally, fixing the parts of the law that the Republicans most issue with. The Senate could also do away with the legislative filibuster, changing the amount to 51%, having already removed the need for 60 votes for filling a Supreme Court seat the week.
The Republican’s ability to repeal the Affordable Care Act is narrowing, and they have still yet to get the votes they need. The latest issue facing the GOP’s replacement bill is whether the provision of guaranteed access should be given to those with pre-existing health conditions, a feature mandated by the ACA. An amendment to the GOP bill that allows states to get rid of this requirement has gained some conservative votes but left the more moderate Republican supporters feeling concerned. The GOP’s next move could go one of several ways. The bill could be passed shortly with only 51 votes, rather than the usual number, using a special budget procedure and possibly with an amendment to include waivers for pre-existing conditions. The House could also put the health care debate aside for now, confounding President Trump’s promises to enact a “repeal and replace” health law. The House could move onto tax reform, using the same expedited budget procedure. Congress could also attempt to overhaul the ACA incrementally, fixing the parts of the law that the Republicans most issue with. The Senate could also do away with the legislative filibuster, changing the amount to 51%, having already removed the need for 60 votes for filling a Supreme Court seat this year.