In what may be forever classified as the most persistent childish do-nothing Congress ever, today House Republicans led by Speaker John Boehner voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, better known simply as “Obamacare.” Despite the fact that several federal courts — including, most recently, the Supreme Court — have rule the health care law constitutional and valid, House Republicans wasted the people’s time and money holding a solicitous vote.
“All Republicans supported the measure, which passed 244-185. Five Democrats voted in favor of repeal: Reps. Mike Ross of Arkansas, Mike McIntyre and Larry Kissell of North Carolina, Dan Boren of Oklahoma, and Jim Matheson of Utah,” Politico reported:
It’s the second time the House has voted to repeal the entire health care law — and the 33rd time House Republicans have voted to repeal, defund or knock down any piece of the law. But like almost all of the other attempts, this measure is certain to die in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
That doesn’t mean Senate Republicans won’t try, though. They may make new attempts to force a vote on repeal — starting with a small business bill, where Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has filed a repeal measure as an amendment.
McConnell said this week that he wants the Senate to vote on the repeal bill again. But it’s unclear whether Republicans will really push for a vote in the upper chamber or just pay lip service to repeal. And even if Majority Leader Harry Reid allows the bill to get a vote on the Senate floor, it is certain not to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
“Obamacare fails at its basic objectives and makes it harder for small businesses to create jobs,†Congresswoman Virginia Foxx stated, ludicrously, via a press release. “Defending the taxes and failures of Obamacare places jobs at stake. In an economy that’s already struggling, and in an era of unprecedented big-government debt, the American people cannot afford Obamacare,” the three-term Congresswoman falsely stated. Obamacare will bring down the debt, but Congresswoman Foxx, doesn’t bother with facts often. “We owe it to the American people to start fresh on real health reform – with the people leading that discussion. Passing the Repeal of Obamacare Act will give us that opportunity.â€
Actually, passing the Repeal of Obamacare Act just gives Republicans talking points for the November elections. The American people are much smarter than Congressional Republicans, especially Congresswoman Foxx.
Chart, top, via Ari Melber at The Nation