Proposed Legislation
Senate Vote Delayed until after July 4th Recess
Policy Summary
On Tuesday, Republican strategist and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell was forced to delay the vote on the repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act. He had ambitiously planned to push the bill that he wrote behind closed doors through the Senate before the July 4th recess, but could not unite the Republican party to ensure the 50 votes he needs. With 52 Republicans in the Senate, the bill can afford to lose only two Republican votes. However, four conservative Republican senators have voiced their opposition to the bill saying it does not go far enough to repeal Obamacare and lower premiums. On the other hand, more moderate Republicans that benefitted from expanding Medicaid in their states oppose the bill because their constituents would be disproportionately hurt by the bill’s massive cuts to Medicaid. All in all, Democrats are united in their opposition and at least 8 or 9 Republicans do not support the current bill. LEARN MORE
Analysis
With only 17% of Americans supporting the Republican health care bill, it is not surprising that Senators are hesitant to pass it. The CBO report explains that while the bill would reduce the federal deficit, it would increase the number of uninsured Americans by 22 million over the next decade. The majority of the bill’s savings would come from Medicaid cuts, leaving that states that expanded Medicaid under Obamacare disproportionately hurt by the new legislation. McConnell is determined to edit the bill and rally the necessary support and schedule a vote later this month. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Moveon.org – This site provides opportunities to resist Trump and Trumpcare in a variety of different ways. Sign petitions, call senators, learn more, donate to the cause, etc.
- Swing Left – This site tracks districts where House winners won by thin margins and encourages voters to vote Democrat in the 2018 election to restore a progressive House majority. This is crucial for every aspect of politics, including health care because the House has a huge impact on what bills become laws.
- As always, contact your state’s elected officials and voice your concerns.
This brief was compiled by Ann Furbush. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this Brief please contact ann@usresistnews.org.
