Congress OKs 1st Step Toward Dismantling ObamaCare

Republicans push budget through Congress
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 13, 2017 3:00 PM CST
Congress OKs 1st Step Toward Dismantling ObamaCare
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at the second day of a confirmation hearing for Attorney General-designate, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., before the Senate Judiciary Committee.    (Cliff Owen)

Congress has approved the first step toward dismantling President Barack Obama's health care law, the AP reports. Republicans have pushed a budget through Congress that provides an early but crucial victory in the effort. The budget prevents Democrats from using a Senate filibuster to derail a bill annulling and replacing the law. That's critical because it takes 60 votes to end filibusters, while Republicans have a 52-48 Senate majority. The real work lies ahead. Republicans must decide which parts of Obama's statute to erase, what a new version should look like and how to protect 20 million people getting health coverage under the 2010 law. The House approved the budget Friday by a near party-line 227-198 vote. The Senate approved the measure Thursday. It does not need the president's signature. (More ObamaCare stories.)

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