Republicans Still Not Unified Over Repeal Strategies For Health Law
As they wait for a crucial Supreme Court ruling that could gut the Affordable Care Act's subsidies, Republican lawmakers are hearing mixed messages from constituents on the next steps Congress should take. And internal debate within the party goes on over what parts of the law to target for repeal. Obamacare is not the only health legislation under consideration: Republican legislators are pushing measures to strip the FTC of some of its powers to block mergers -- a change backed by the American Hospital Association -- and limit the FDA’s ability to regulate e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The Wall Street Journal:
Before Supreme Court Health Ruling, GOP Lawmaker Is In Tug-Of-War
The Affordable Care Act isn’t popular with many in Republican Rep. Bradley Byrne’s district on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. If the Supreme Court strikes down crucial tax credits to subsidize insurance costs here and in many other states, constituents like Ann Lanier want Mr. Byrne to take additional steps toward dismantling the law. “Are Republicans doing anything?” Mrs. Lanier, a 58-year-old retiree from nearby Fairhope, asked Mr. Byrne at a recent town-hall meeting. (Peterson and Radnofsky, 6/22)
Politico:
Obamacare Repeal Still Vexes GOP
Republicans for months have been planning to use a fast-track budget procedure to extend Obamacare subsidies if the Supreme Court strikes them down — all while completely gutting the underlying law. But just days before the court’s ruling, the party is still grappling with the question of how much of the law to repeal, in part because of its exorbitant cost. (Bade, 6/23)
CQ Healthbeat:
GOP Wants Tighter Leash On FTC's Merger Reviews
Congressional Republicans want to strip the Federal Trade Commission of some powers to block mergers with legislation that has strong support from the American Hospital Association. The Republican control of the Senate in the current Congress may put them closer to their goal. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, has introduced a bill (HR 2745) that would require the FTC to face the same judicial standard as the Justice Department to block a merger deemed anti-competitive. The FTC has a lower burden. (Chamseddine, 6/22)
CQ Healthbeat:
House Appropriators May Ease Tobacco Product Rules In Ag Bill
The House Appropriations Committee's fiscal 2016 Agriculture spending bill includes a provision that could allow companies to continue selling e-cigarettes and some tobacco products by limiting the Food and Drug Administration’s ability to regulate the products. Public health groups say the provision would undermine efforts to stop teenagers and younger children from smoking. (Ferguson, 6/22)
In related news about tobacco -
Reuters:
In Twist, Scientists Join Tobacco Companies To Fight Cancer
Scientists who have devoted years developing medicines to cure disease are now working for tobacco companies to make e-cigarettes. Philip Morris International Inc has hired more than 400 scientists and technical staff at its research facility in Neuchatel, Switzerland, including toxicologists, chemists, biologists, biostatisticians and regulatory affairs experts. (Clarke, 6/23)
