The bill to repeal last year’s healthcare reform law was defeated in the Senate last week, but the fight is far from over. Many Republicans and some Democrats still have plans to chip away at law. Meanwhile, the Courts have been engaged by 28 states to weigh in on the issue. A recent decision from a judge in Florida has raised questions about whether the Federal should continue working on administrative details until issues are resolved by the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republicans have plans to introduce new legislation that will repeal more controversial parts of the law. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement on Wednesday. “We intend to continue the fight to repeal and replace Obamacare with sensible reforms that would lower the cost of American health care, like medical malpractice, like selling insurance across state lines.” These attempts to repeal parts of the law will continue to be the focus of Republicans throughout the House and Senate.
Any successful attempt at reform will require bipartisan support. Some moderate Democrats are pushing for parts of the healthcare law to be repealed, too. A handful of Senate Democrats have stepped out in opposition of the individual mandate portion of the health care law. These Democrats voted against repealing the law in its entirety, but will likely work with Republicans on repealing specific portions of the law.
Those who support repeal are also working towards that goal through the judicial branch. 28 states have filed suits challenging the authority of Congress to enact this law, and with last week’s federal court decision calling the complete health care overhaul unconstitutional, many Republicans are calling for the Supreme Court to be quick in taking up the case.
