US Senate Takes First Step To Dismantle The 'Obamacare'
The Senate of the United States has taken its first step to definitively dismantle Obamacare, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act promulgated by President Barack Obama which Donald Trump promised to knock down during his campaigning as well as during the presidential transition.
The result of the vote was 51 senators in favor of dismantling against 48. The next step is up to the House of Representatives; it is expected to vote this week.
Ending Obama's health care reform is a priority not only for the president-elect but also for the Republicans, who have a majority in both Houses. According to the Republican Party, the process to repeal the 'Obamacare' could take months, while the plan that would replace it could take more time. However, they have pressure from Trump, who has already warned that both processes must occur "simultaneously."
Nearly 20 million Americans who were uninsured obtained health coverage through the law enacted by Obama. However, this Act developed controversy and numerous enemies. Republicans have launched repeated legal and legislative efforts to end it. The idea of the Republicans is to replace it, giving state governments and not the Federal government more control.
However, in recent days some members of the Republican party have expressed concern about the party's current strategy to vote for its repeal without a consensual and ready-made replacement plan.
On Wednesday, Trump said he will present a plan of replacement as soon as its candidate to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Tom Price is appointed by the Senate. However, the new President did not give any details of the proposal.
President of the Chamber, Paul Ryan said this week he wants to collect the largest possible number of replacement provisions in legislation to repeal 'Obamacare'. But Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, also a Republican, said that could be difficult given Senate rules.
The resolution adopted Thursday instructs the committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate to draw up the law revocation before January 27. Both chambers must then approve the resulting legislation before any repeal goes into effect.
Republican senators are using special budget procedures that allow them to revoke 'Obamacare' by a simple majority. That way they do not need Democratic votes. Republicans have a majority of 52 votes in the Senate.
