Stakes Are High For Votes On Budget, Medicare Fix
As they seek to show their governing skills, Republican leaders are nearing votes on the House and Senate budget blueprints, which also include a road map for repealing the health law. Separately, a permanent doc-fix measure moving through Congress could likely face partisan challenges.
The Associated Press:
GOP Moves Ahead On Budget Plans; Eyes Obamacare Repeal Bill
House and Senate Republicans steamed ahead Tuesday toward likely approval of balanced budget outlines, essential early steps along a path to send President Barack Obama legislation to wipe out his 5-year-old health care law and eliminate deficits within a decade. Obama is all but certain to veto the legislation if and when it reaches his desk, but Republican rebels and establishment-minded conservatives alike in the House paid that little mind. (Espo, 3/25)
Los Angeles Times:
A Make-Or-Break Week Awaits Republican Leaders In Congress
After stumbling several times since taking control of Congress earlier this year, House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have an opportunity to demonstrate on two important fronts that Republicans can effectively govern. But it remains unclear if they will be able to deliver. Boehner acknowledged Tuesday the momentous days ahead, as Republicans will try to pass their annual budget for fiscal 2016 and approve a sweeping bipartisan accord to overhaul the way doctors are paid under Medicare. (Mascaro, 3/24)
Politico Pro:
House GOP Smells Victory In Budget Battle
After weeks of stumbling through one embarrassing crisis after another, GOP leadership and the rank and file — for once — seem surefooted about their strategy to pass a 2016 budget resolution and fix a Medicare physician formula that’s long bedeviled Congress. (Sherman, Bresnahan and Kim, 3/24)
The Hill:
Portman Seeks To Bolster Spending To 'Medically Complex' Children
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) has introduced an amendment to the Republican budget that would boost Medicaid funding for "medically complex" children. The Ohio Republican's amendment would create a deficit neutral fund that would focus on increasing integrated and coordinated care for children on Medicaid who have multiple, serious, rare or chronic illnesses. (Carney, 3/24)
