House Unveils Health Care Repeal Bill; Vote Scheduled for Next Week

Incoming House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has introduced legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which is scheduled to be voted on next Wednesday. The introduction of the two-page Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act (pdf) is considered by most to be a largely symbolic gesture, as its chances of becoming law are slim. While the House of Representatives – with 242 Republican members – will likely have sufficient votes to pass this measure, the bill will face a tougher hurdle in the Senate, where Democratic members still hold a majority. In addition, President Obama would surely exercise his veto power in the unlikely event the Senate approves the legislation.

This Friday, the House is expected to vote on the procedural rule calling for consideration of the bill. A House vote on actual passage of the legislation is expected to occur on January 12, 2011.

Following the House vote on the bill, expect the introduction of smaller bills attacking various portions of the health care law, beginning with the most unpopular provisions. In the 111th Congress, several bills were introduced by both parties to rescind the provision requiring businesses, starting in 2012, to file 1099 forms for any purchases of $600 or more. It is also anticipated that the House will try to withhold or reduce funding to agencies responsible for implementing sections of the law.

This entry was written by Ilyse Schuman. 

Photo credit: borisyankov