GOP Senators Vow to Continually Introduce Bills to Repeal Reform

Republican senators are vowing to continually introduce bills to repeal or defund the healthcare reform law, even as they acknowledge these efforts won't have much chance of success, according to a report by the Hill.

"The best strategy is to call for a repeal bill and pass that bill," said Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). "And if you can't pass it the first time, then offer it again the next month, and offer it again the next month."



Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called the new law "the single worst piece of legislation that’s passed since I’ve been in the Senate" and he repeated, "Republican leadership in the House and Senate is committed to its repeal."

GOP leaders oppose the advice of retiring Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) that Republicans should instead focus on retooling the new law, but they agree with Sen. Gregg that repeal efforts are unlikely to succeed.

"I would expect the president to veto any limitation of funds. It's highly unlikely that we would win a limitation amendment on an appropriation bill in the Senate, unless we saw a significant change of heart among Democrats," Sen. Coburn said.

Filibuster rules requiring 60 votes to end debate on a measure. Even if Republicans win back a majority in the Senate in the upcoming election, they would have to convince as many as 10 Democrats to join them.

"While Democrats will filibuster our efforts, and if we’re successful the president will veto, I believe we should give them that opportunity," Sen. McConnell said. "We should vote, again, for repeal."

Read the Hill report on healthcare reform.

Read more coverage on healthcare reform:

- GOP Leaders Split Over Repealing or Restructuring Reform Law

- While Health Reform Faces Challenge, Repeal of ACOs Unlikely


- House Republicans Challenge Medicare TV Ads Lauding Reform

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