Senate GOP Walking Tightrope With Abortion, Planned Parenthood Language In Health Plan
The Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, won’t make an official ruling until she is given specific language on the provisions, but they could threaten the future of the entire bill. However, dropping the language could result in loss of support among conservative lawmakers.
CQ Roll Call:
Senators Watch For Decision On Abortion Language In Health Bill
Senators are debating what to do about retaining anti-abortion language in the House bill, which could violate Senate budget rules. Opponents have raised concerns about new tax credits in the bill, which could not be used to buy insurance that includes abortion coverage. A provision to defund Planned Parenthood is also vulnerable. The parliamentary question is whether these would be considered non-budgetary provisions that violate the Byrd rule, which prohibits the inclusion of extraneous issues that don't have a fiscal impact. Republicans argue it would be a “term and condition" of the tax credit, which is allowed under the Byrd rule. (Raman, 6/14)
Past KHN coverage: Planned Parenthood Funding Could Thwart GOP Efforts On Health Bill
Denver Post:
Doug Lamborn, In Letter To Senate GOP Leaders, Asks That “Pro-Life Priorities” Be Included In Health Care Bill
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, a Colorado Springs Republican, has penned a letter signed by 70 members of the U.S. House asking GOP leadership in the Senate to ensure “our pro-life priorities” are included in any health care legislation they draft to replace the Affordable Care Act...The request was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, as well as the chairs of the Senate budget, health and finance committees. Colorado’s other House Republicans — U.S. Reps. Mike Coffman, Ken Buck and Scott Tipton — did not sign the letter. (Paul, 6/14)
