Democrats See Roadblocks For GOP Bill In Arcane Budget Procedures Used In The Senate
Because the bill will be brought up under rules that don't allow a filibuster, Senate officials will strike any provisions that don't deal with federal spending, and Democrats think they can use that to amend the Republican legislation.
Roll Call:
Senators Working The Ref Already On Health Care Bill
As House Republicans struggle to cobble together the votes to pass legislation to repeal and replace the 2010 health care law, members are already looking to navigate the Senate’s labyrinth of procedural rules that could make or break the measure. Senate Democrats are already setting up for the battle with the parliamentarian about which provisions could run up against the Byrd Rule, which requires budget reconciliation bills that can pass with a simple-majority vote to be primarily about spending and revenues, without extraneous matter. (Lesniewski, 3/23)
CQ HealthBeat:
Senate Democrats: Many Byrd Rule Problems In Obamacare Repeal
Senate Democrats say they have found multiple examples of potential violations of the Byrd rule in House-written budget legislation that would dismantle the health care law, setting the measure up for a potential parliamentary challenge. Two of these possible problems have been publicized, and Democrats say there are more to explore...The comments by Democrats added to the ongoing drama over the House bill (HR 1628) that would repeal and replace the 2010 health care law. (Krawzak, 3/23)
The Wall Street Journal:
The Tough Senate Math For The GOP Health Plan
The Republican health plan, which is expected to face a tight vote in the House this week, is also likely to encounter a rocky road in the Senate. Some states have seen big improvements in recent years in the number of residents with health insurance, and some GOP senators are wary of losing those gains. Here is a look at where senators stand. (Rust and Shin, 3/22)
The Hill:
Trump Woos Right With Promise Of Senate Changes To ObamaCare Replacement
President Trump gave his word Wednesday to a group of 18 House Republicans that he would publicly call on the Senate to amend the House GOP’s healthcare bill to include the repeal of ObamaCare’s “essential health benefits,” sources in the meeting told The Hill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is on board with the plan, top Trump aides told the lawmakers gathered at the White House. (Wong and Sullivan, 3/22)
