The GOP is ready to send a strong message to the White House that it’s serious about dismantling the healthcare overhaul.
On Jan. 12, the Republican-held House will vote on whether or not to repeal the healthcare reform law. The name of the bill Republicans will bring before the House: Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act.
While the bill’s expected to make it though the House, odds are that’s about as far as any political action to repeal the law will go — since Democrats still control the Senate and White House.
Describing the repeal measure as irresponsible and reckless, top Senate Democrats have vowed to block it.
So next week’s vote will be a symbolic move by Republicans — one meant to prove they intend to make good on campaign promises to tear apart the law by any means necessary.
The GOP’s next move
Even if shot down, House Republicans can continue to send repeal legislation to the Senate. But what’s more likely to happen is that the GOP will attempt to cut off funding needed to implement the law.
One area Republicans said they’ll likely target: Funding for Internal Revenue Service agents who would be responsible for enforcing the new requirement that individuals carry health insurance or pay a fee.