House Republicans Plan Vote to Repeal 'Obamacare' on Jan. 12
Posted:
01/3/11
Making good on one of their high-profile, election-year promises, House Republicans announced plans Monday afternoon to pass a repeal of the Obama administration's health care law. The No. 2 House Republican, Eric Cantor of Virginia, announced a vote scheduled for Jan. 12.
While this sets up a confrontation with President Obama over the landmark legislation, the move is seen as largely symbolic, as the repeal effort is not expected to succeed. While Democrats lost their majority in the House, they retained it in the Senate, where a repeal is highly unlikely. In addition, Obama can simply veto the legislation, and Republicans are a long way off from the majorities they would need to override the president.
But the GOP leadership has vowed to try to chip away at "Obamacare" with a series of smaller steps and votes on pieces of legislation over the next year or more. A variety of attempts are expected, including finding ways to hold back money for key provisions. Even forcing a government shutdown is a possibility, although a risky move for the GOP. Polls have shown parts of the legislation are popular, and some felt it didn't go far enough.
Democrats are responding with a clear message that they will block all attempts at repeal.
While this sets up a confrontation with President Obama over the landmark legislation, the move is seen as largely symbolic, as the repeal effort is not expected to succeed. While Democrats lost their majority in the House, they retained it in the Senate, where a repeal is highly unlikely. In addition, Obama can simply veto the legislation, and Republicans are a long way off from the majorities they would need to override the president.
But the GOP leadership has vowed to try to chip away at "Obamacare" with a series of smaller steps and votes on pieces of legislation over the next year or more. A variety of attempts are expected, including finding ways to hold back money for key provisions. Even forcing a government shutdown is a possibility, although a risky move for the GOP. Polls have shown parts of the legislation are popular, and some felt it didn't go far enough.
Democrats are responding with a clear message that they will block all attempts at repeal.