In a narrow vote, House passes ‘ Trumpcare ’ bill

In a legislative win for President Donald Trump, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a bill today that would repeal major parts of Obamacare and replace it with the Republican’s plan, the American Health Care Act. After a 217-213 vote that was split down party lines, the bill moves to the Senate for consideration. It was a nail-biting finish for Republicans, who got just enough support to get the legislation through the House. The bill’s passage represents the first cleared hurdle to accomplish a Trump campaign pledge and 7-year Republican effort to repeal and replace former-President Barack Obama’s sweeping healthcare reform. The bill is expected to face problems in the Senate, where Republicans have a 52-seat majority and even a few defections in the party could block the bill. The Republican’s bill is designed to repeal most Obamacare taxes, such as a penalty for not purchasing health insurance. It would cut funding for Medicaid and roll back Medicaid expansion. Earlier this year, the bill was withdrawn from the House due to a shortage of votes. Nearly 20 million Americans gained healthcare coverage under Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Republicans say the program is an example of government overreach and that it drives up premiums for the average American. But the ACA has garnered support in recent public opinion polls, according to Reuters, and Democrats hope that today’s vote will impact next year’s midterm congres...
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Equipment Authors: Tags: Healthcare Reform Wall Street Beat Capitol Hill Source Type: news