Operation Storm Watch

Operation Storm Watch

The latest hurricane updates and resources

 

New Senate Republican Healthcare Bill Is Unveiled

The new Senate Republican healthcare bill is hot off the presses. Opening the Senate this morning, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Obamacare is failing and must be repealed and replaced. McConnell hopes to push it through by the end of next week.  The Kentucky Republican said it is "time to act." 

The bill would end Obamacare's penalties for people who don't buy insurance and decrease an expansion of Medicaid. It would also eliminate tax increases on higher-income people and medical industry companies. But unlike the recent House bill, it would keep more protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The measure would also eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood. 

House Speaker Paul Ryan says bill shows the Republicans are fulfilling their promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.. Ryan said he is gratified that the new Senate Republican healthcare bill seems to be similar to the House bill that narrowly passed last month.  He said he has been briefed on the Senate bill but has not read it. President Trump praised the bill saying it will be "very good."   

Democrats complain that the bill has been drafted in secret, without public hearings.  Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the GOP bill will strip health insurance from millions of Americans and will lead to big tax breaks for the nation's wealthiest citizens.  The New York Democrat called it a "wolf in sheep's clothing."

You can read the full text of the bill here

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content