GOP On Obamacare: What To Do?
For Republicans, intraparty divisions continue over efforts to repeal the health law, with many focusing on other issues. Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers are also eyeing tax credits as a potential health law alternative if the Supreme Court overturns a key part of the law in the King v. Burwell case: the subsidies.
The Wall Street Journal:
GOP Is Split Over Bid To Repeal Health Law
Republicans in control of Congress have a special tool they can use to push legislation to President Barack Obama’s desk with a simple Senate majority. But they are divided on whether to use it on a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Such legislation would almost certainly be vetoed by Mr. Obama, so some Republicans believe using the legislative maneuver, known as reconciliation, would waste a good opportunity to achieve other budget goals. (Peterson, 4/19)
Los Angeles Times:
Obamacare Repeal Falls Off Republicans' To-Do List As Law Takes Hold
After five years and more than 50 votes in Congress, the Republican campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act is essentially over. GOP congressional leaders, unable to roll back the law while President Obama remains in office and unwilling to again threaten a government shutdown to pressure him, are focused on other issues, including trade and tax reform. (Levey, 4/18)
Reuters:
Seeking Obamacare Alternative, U.S. Republicans Eye Tax Credits
If the U.S. Supreme Court blows up the tax subsidies at the heart of Obamacare in June, Republicans hope to deliver on their promise to offer an alternative healthcare plan. But key parts of it may resemble the one President Barack Obama delivered five years ago in the Affordable Care Act, partly reflecting Republican concerns that they could pay a political price if insurance subsidies are yanked from millions of Americans later this year. (Cornwell, 4/20)
In other news from Capitol Hill -
The Hill:
Bill Would Help Combat Medics Become Civilian EMTs
A bipartisan bill introduced this week would facilitate the transition process for military combat medics to become emergency medical technicians upon returning to the civilian workforce. The legislation, introduced by Reps. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), would provide grants to states to simplify requirements for veterans with medical training to receive certifications as EMTs. (Marcos, 4/17)