Dive Brief:
- The GOP's budget reconciliation measure to repeal major provisions of the ACA is one step closer after the Parliamentarian of the United States Senate gave the legislation the go-ahead but requested some changes to the bill.
- The changes, according to a senior Democratic Senate aide, were requested because the bill's repeals of the ACA's individual and employer mandates do not meet Senate requirements for budget reconciliation measures. However, the bill's provision to defund Planned Parenthood does meet the standards for reconciliation measures, according to American Health Line.
- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said GOP lawmakers will provide a substitute amendment to ensure it complies with the Senate requirements while keeping all the bill's current repeal provisions.
Dive Insight:
The House voted to approve the bill (HR 3762) last month, which aims to repeal the "Cadillac" and medical device taxes as well as the individual and employer mandates. It would also remove federal funding from Planned Parenthood for a year. Overall, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would reduce federal spending by $79 billion over ten years.
Not all Republicans are keen on the bill. Three conservative senators said they would oppose it because it doesn't go far enough to repeal the ACA. If just five Republicans vote against it, the bill can't pass the Senate. Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) said the GOP Senate leaders would allow the bill to "go as far as we can consistent with Senate rules," as reported in American Health Line.
The Senate may wait until December to consider the bill to ensure there are enough votes to pass it. However, the Obama Administration has said President Obama would veto the measure if it does reach his desk.