- Shortly after Congress was sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 3, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) introduced a budget resolution providing for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.
- The resolution provides “reconciliation instructions” that will enable Congress to repeal the law with a simple Senate majority. Once a budget resolution passes the House and Senate, it does not become law. However, in this particular case, this budget resolution will instruct the Senate Finance, Senate HELP, House Ways & Means, and House Energy & Commerce committees to draft legislation by Jan. 27.
- Chairman Enzi said he hopes to finish up Senate floor consideration of the resolution by this Wednesday, making it possible for the House to vote on it as soon as Jan. 13.
- The Senate began taking up amendments on Monday, Jan. 9 . The first amendment of the week under consideration is from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), which would balance the budget over 10 years. He said last week that he plans to vote against the budget resolution. Republican Sens. Tom Cotton (Ark.), Bob Corker (Tenn.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), and Susan Collins (Maine) have also expressed concerns over the reconciliation due to a lack of an ACA replacement plan already in hand.
- The Senate will take up dozens of amendments on Wednesday, Jan. 11 in what is called a Vote-a-Rama. Most amendments haven’t been revealed yet, but Democrats are proposing amendments to prohibit cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Act Now!
Call your senators today at (800-826-3688). Tell your U.S. senators to make ending hunger by 2030 a priority and to vote NO on any legislation that includes repealing the expansion of Medicaid without a responsible alternative in place.
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