Republican senators have softened certain parts of the AHCA to appeal to more moderate members of their party, and conservative senators and members of the House are not happy about the adjustments, according to The Hill.
The Republican Study Committee, the largest collection of House conservatives in Congress, recently sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., outlining the four provisions of the AHCA they want maintained.
- Ending Medicaid expansion by 2020 is essential for the RSC. Moderate legislators like Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, have suggested extending expansion funding until 2027.
- Eliminating ACA regulations on health plans was a trademark of the House bill, which would allow insurers to change their rates based on a person’s health status. The Senate has considered keeping these regulations.
- Ending all ACA taxes has been the rallying cry of many conservative legislators, though the Senate has considered maintaining some of them.
- Temporary defunding of Planned Parenthood and elimination of tax credits that go toward abortion were key elements of the conservative bill. However, the Senate Parliamentarian has said these provisions may not be allowed under budget reconciliation rules because budget bills may not be used to influence other areas of policy. Moderate Republicans like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have also said they want to maintain funding for Planned Parenthood.
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