Earlier this week house republicans in a test vote, passed a measure that would repeal President Obama's divisive healthcare law with a 236-181 vote. This sets the stage for what will likely be more of a message than significant legislation when a real vote is held in the near future. While I think the Obamacare overreaches the governments authority as outlined in the constitution, and although I believe this overhaul does nothing to reduce spending the the cost of healthcare, actually increasing it, I hope that this is an issue that isn't pursued for too long by the GOP.
Although the GOP retook the house in November, we did not take the Senate and the President maintains veto power. For any hope to actually get this repeal done it would take months and months of campaigning on a issue that I believe the American people are tired of hearing about. With an irritated public wanting results from Congress and the government I can easily see an overreaching Republican party start to gain negative ratings from independents should they take this immediate and very contentious route towards repeal.
The better route, IMHO, would be for the house to pass this issue and take it to the Senate for debate where the American public can be reminded again just why they do not support this law which, lets face it, was forced upon us by a Congress and President that had no interest in listening to the American people or in bipartisanship.
Once this bill is in the Senate, look at moderate democrats who are not in favor of outright repeal, but are in favor of making many changes the the current overhaul such as making tarp reform part of it, doing away with mandated coverage, and allowing health insurance companies to provide policies across state lines. Add these reforms and we could see a much more palatable healthcare law that the American people can support and one in which the GOP can show a willingness to work with the other side, or at least more willingness than the Democrats had a year ago.
If none of this comes to pass I would suggest not pursuing this issue past issuing a few stern talking points against the law with an eye towards the 2012 election as the real chance at repeal. After dropping this issue it will be time to take on more pressing issues such as raising the national debt ceiling and reigning in spending. Keep these promises and with an improving economy I believe the GOP can look for an electorate to reward them greatly in the next election.
Anywho, that's all I got this week.
-Zach
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