Senate Republican Freshmen Want New Health Law Repeal Vote ‘For The Record,’ Argue Tactics
In other congressional action, the House cleared legislation to assist those with ALS, sending the bill to President Obama. The House also passed a breast cancer research bill, while lobbying on Capitol Hill heats up over the so-called "Cadillac tax."
Politico Pro:
GOP Senate Hasn’t Attacked Obamacare 'Root And Branch'
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell won his resounding 2014 reelection — and control of the Senate — with a pledge to try to repeal Obamacare “root and branch.” That hasn’t happened. So far, the Republican-controlled Senate has only held one non-binding repeal vote. And nothing more is expected until at least September. (Haberkorn, 7/15)
The Hill:
House Clears ALS Assistance Bill
The House easily passed legislation on Wednesday to make it easier for people with Lou Gehrig’s disease to buy speech-generating devices. Lawmakers passed the bill by voice vote in both the House and Senate, which now sends it to President Obama’s desk. (Marcos, 7/15)
The Hill:
House Passes Breast Cancer Research Bill That Excludes Komen
The House revived legislation Wednesday to help increase funding for breast cancer research, one day after GOP leaders pulled it from consideration due to a fight over abortion. The bill, which passed 421-9, would create a pink gold commemorative coin in 2018 and donate proceeds from the coin sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) voted "present," while all nine votes in opposition were from Republicans. (Marcos, 7/15)
Marketplace:
New Obamacare Fight Takes Aim At 'Cadillac' Tax
The Supreme Court fights over the Affordable Care Act may be over for now. But before you get too comfortable, there’s still plenty of fighting left to do. The latest example can be seen in Washington where Fortune 500 companies and labor unions have teamed up to lobby Congress to kill a tax on generous – some say lavish – health plans. In the health policy world, they call it the "Cadillac Tax," but for employers – and employees – who may get hit by it, it’s more like a "Ford Fusion Tax." (Gorenstein, 7/16)