Senate to Begin Repealing Obamacare This Week: McConnell

The vote was eventually passed in the early hours of Thursday after Democrats forced almost seven hours of voting in the so-called “vote-a-rama”.

At the news conference, Trump also expounded on the political liability that comes with trying to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, saying that for the time being, the healthcare law is Democrats’ problem to “own”. However, all three voted to advance the budget in an early procedural vote Wednesday, which passed 51-48, allowing the Senate to consider the measure. They control only 52 seats.

The resolution next moves to the House of Representatives for a similar vote that is expected as soon as Friday.

Democrats have vowed to fight the repeal of the law at every step and have so far said they will be uncooperative on a replacement. The big question is what leverage Republicans will have over Democrats at that point.

President-elect Donald J. Trump demanded on Tuesday that Congress immediately repeal the Affordable Care Act and pass another health law quickly.

Trump said he would detail his plans for repealing and replacing the law after Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) is confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. They’re also discussing whether there are some elements of a replacement bill that could get through at the same time with a simple majority. Though some congressional Republicans are seeking to slow down the pace on repeal and replace, Trump wants repeal to happen quickly and a replacement simultaneously or very shortly thereafter.

But Republicans have staunchly opposed it, especially the requirement that all Americans buy insurance or pay a fine if they do not. The requested delay comes as a large number of reports have estimated dire consequences of an ACA repeal with the plans that are now under consideration.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of NY said of the GOP efforts, “They’re like the dog who caught the bus”.

Republicans say the law will add more than $500 billion to the national debt and has not controlled the rising cost of health care or insurance premiums as its champions assert.

Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, who heads the finance panel, said Senate rules for the reconciliation process could make it hard to put replacement provisions in the repeal bill.

The Senate is set to vote this week on a timeline to draft legislation repealing Obamacare. “Shameful”, Senator Bob Menendez said in a Twitter comment after the vote. And, yes, as part of that vote, Republicans rejected a Democratic amendment meant to protect insurance for people with pre-existing conditions.