The Senate began its Obamacare repeal efforts Tuesday, gearing up to abolish President Barack Obama’s landmark health-care legislation as soon as President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Senate Budget Chairman Mike Enzi introduced the resolution, which is expected be passed using reconciliation process requiring just a simple majority in the upper chamber to pass.
GOP lawmakers are expected to successfully abolish the Affordable Care Act after more than 40 attempts since its implementation.
Enzi noted Obamacare has led to higher premiums and limited options in the marketplace, adding he believes its repeal will bring relief to American families.
“Insurers are withdrawing from markets across the country, leaving many families with fewer choices and less access to care than they had before – the opposite of what the law promised,” Enzi, a Washington Republican, said in a statement. “Today, we take the first steps to repair the nation’s broken health care system, removing Washington from the equation and putting control back where it belongs: with patients, their families, and their doctors.”
House Speaker Paul Ryan praised the bill, saying Republicans aim to put forth a plan that will lead to better, more affordable options.
“This is the first step toward relief for Americans struggling under Obamacare. This resolution sets the stage for repeal followed by a stable transition to a better health care system,” he said in a statement. “Our goal is to ensure that patients will be in control of their health care and have greater access to quality, affordable coverage. Today we begin to deliver on our promise to the American people.”
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