Congressional Leaders, President Obama Exchange Opening Salvos Over Health Law’s Future
The New York Times notes that one thing is for sure -- the overhaul will again face a high level of scrutiny. Lines in the sand are already emerging -- with Republicans calling for a complete repeal and President Barack Obama re-iterating his intent to protect his signature legislative achievement -- but in the background some point to the potential to address provisions that both parties would like to fix.
The New York Times:
A Post-Election Day Certainty: New Scrutiny For The Affordable Care Act
This week’s elections ensure a new round of political attacks on the Affordable Care Act, but they also create potential opportunities to repair provisions of the law that people on both sides of the partisan divide would like to fix. With the shift in power in the Senate, Republicans can turn up the heat on the White House, which has dismissed as political stunts repeated House votes to repeal the law. (Pear, 11/6)
The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire:
For Obama And GOP, Is There A Middle Ground?
Mr. Obama made clear Republicans were going to try to strip away at the law, piece by piece, starting with the parts he feels are the most unpopular. Mr. Obama signaled Wednesday he was open to some changes to the law, which he described as things he would view as “responsible,” but he wanted to hear what Republicans planned first. This could be a chess game that plays out over the next two years. Does Mr. Obama hand over the keys to his biggest legislative achievement? Do Republicans agree to make changes to the law, and then allow themselves to put their fingerprints all over it? Or, do both sides eventually go back to warring? (Paletta, 11/6)
CNN:
Heated Republicans Return Fire At Obama
Just hours after [President Barack] Obama recommitted himself to staying the course on immigration orders and protecting his signature health care law, Republicans spent Thursday firing back shots at the administration, signaling that Tuesday's midterms did little to quell partisan tension in Washington. (Bradner, 11/6)
Minnesota Public Radio:
Boehner Says Rolling Back 'Obamacare' Is GOP Priority
House Speaker John Boehner said approval of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline and the repeal of key parts of Obamacare are among Republicans' top priorities now that the GOP has won control of both houses of Congress. (Neuman, 11/6)
The Wall Street Journal:
John Boehner Strikes Combative Tone
House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) struck a combative tone Thursday in his first postelection comments, vowing the House would again vote to repeal the federal health-care law and warning the White House from “poisoning the well” on immigration. ... Additionally, he said Republicans would continue to try and repeal Mr. Obama’s signature achievement in office, the Affordable Care Act. “Obamacare is hurting our economy, is hurting middle class families,” Mr. Boehner said. (Crittenden, 11/6)
Meanwhile, NBC reports on some additional political concerns related to repeal efforts --
NBC News:
GOP Pledges Obamacare Repeal Amid Drops in Uninsured Latinos
Republican leaders have come out of the elections pledging to repeal Obamacare, under which rates of uninsured Latinos have dropped. Much of the post-election discussion on Latinos and the Republican agenda has revolved on immigration reform and how the GOP will respond to executive action taken by Obama. But the health care issue is one that also goes to the heart of needs in the community and takes on particular poignance as conservative groups and the GOP attribute their election night victories in part to improved support from the Latino community. (Gamboa, 11/6)
