The repeal package is likely to move through a procedural track known as reconciliation, which would allow Republicans to pass it with a majority vote. However, to qualify for reconciliation, the legislation must pass the Byrd Rule, a test that will ensure the legislation’s primary motive is to reduce the deficit.
Although Senate Republican leaders have said they want to repeal as much of the ACA as possible, some Republicans don’t want to do away with it entirely.
A minority of Republican senators think the repeal should be cut down to reforms that Democrats might support so it has a chance of becoming a law. “I want to make policy, not a political point,” said one Republican senator.
Many Republicans are against repealing Medicaid expansion. “I am very concerned about the 160,000 people who had Medicaid expansion in my state,” said Sen. Shelley Moore (R-West Virginia). “I have difficulty with that being included.”
Other senators believe repealing Medicaid expansion would be positive. “Repealing the Medicaid expansion is not going to be in there because it’s too problematic for many Republicans,” said a lawmaker who wished to remain anonymous. “I don’t want to stick the state with the bill.”
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