The process of repealing President Obama’s signature legislation is already underway.
Early Thursday morning, the Senate passed what they’re calling a “repeal resolution” or the first step in repealing the Affordable Care Act.
The vote fell perfectly along party lines:
The Senate voted 51-48 along party lines for the measure, which relies on the same budget process used seven years ago to approve the landmark healthcare law to now attempt to dismantle it.“This resolution will set the stage for true legislative relief from Obamacare that Americans have long demanded while ensuring a stable transition,” Senate Budget Chairman Mike Enzi of Wyoming said, just after 1 a.m. “The Obamacare bridge is collapsing and we’re sending in a rescue team.”
Senator McConnell said, “the next step will then be the legislation to finally repeal Obamacare and move us toward smarter health policies. The repeal legislation will include a stable transition period as we work toward patient-centered health care.”
The House has the next move where votes are expected Friday.
In his weekly press briefing Thursday, Speaker Ryan spoke to the urgency of providing regulatory relief.
“Our goal though, is to deliver relief as soon as possible. Because this is not just a matter of us keeping our promise to the American people; this is a rescue mission,” said Speaker Ryan.
Unlike Obamacare’s passage, Ryan promised a methodical, thoughtful replacement plan.
“This will be a thoughtful, step-by-step process. We’re not going to swap one 2,700 page monstrosity for another. We’re not going to jam some bill through Harry Reid’s office on Christmas Eve only to find out what’s in it after it’s been passed. We’re going to do this the right way. We’re going to do this the way it was designed through the Congressional Committee system. And that is why we had to get it right.”
The House Freedom Caucus has balked at the initial repeal measure.
Presiden-elect Trump said in a press conference Wednesday that the plan to repeal and replace Obamacare will be released simultaneously and will occur after HHS Secretary nominee Rep. Price is confirmed.
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