AUGUST 5, 2015
AMAC supports Senate use of budget reconciliation to repeal Obamacare
The tactic needs only a simple majority in a Senate dominated by Republicans
WASHINGTON, DC – A statement of support for the decision of Senators Mitch McConnell and Mike Lee to use a budget reconciliation tactic to repeal Obamacare has been issued by Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.
Reconciliation allows passage of a bill with just 51 votes instead of 60. There are 54 Republicans in the Senate, handily ensuring passage.
"AMAC commends the Senate Majority Leader and Utah's Senator Lee for committing to the use of budget reconciliation to force a vote to repeal Obamacare. Through budget reconciliation, the Senate would need only a simple majority to pass legislation that repeals the president's signature legislative achievement - a law that continues to adversely impact mature Americans and seniors."
Although McConnell and Lee specifically targeted Obamacare in the statement they issued announcing their reconciliation decision, there are many in the Senate who believe it can and will be used on other issues as well. "A Senate GOP aide confirmed that there is talk about using reconciliation more broadly than just on Obamacare, although he did not elaborate on specific legislation," according to the National Journal.
It's an important nuance since the president is more than likely to veto such a measure, elements of which might be important to him and his base of supporters. It could cause him some discomfort. Above all, reconciliation will put repeal of the Affordable Care Act on the president's desk for the first time.
Weber noted that "it's been over five years since Obamacare was signed into law, and yet, it has failed to accomplish its core objectives. Health costs are rising, millions of Americans remain uninsured, and the doctor-patient relationship has been eroded by intrusive government mandates. Older Americans are sick and tired of Obamacare's broken promises. Seniors fully expect Congress to use the legislative tools at its disposal to dismantle Obamacare and in its stead, offer free-market solutions that can actually make health care more affordable for more people."
While the President will likely veto any Obamacare repeal legislation that comes across his desk, AMAC believes "it is critical for Congress to take a bold stand for seniors who are suffering as a result of this law. We appreciate the leadership demonstrated by the Senate this week to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten or ignored."
