Republicans Fiercely Guarding New Draft Of Repeal Plan
The leaders are trying to avoid a repeat of a draft being leaked. Meanwhile, House lawmakers are expected to vote on a repeal bill next week.
Bloomberg:
Republicans Hide New Obamacare Draft Under Shroud Of Secrecy
House Republican leaders have a new version of their major Obamacare repeal and replacement bill. They just don’t want you to see it. The document is being treated a bit like a top-secret surveillance intercept. It is expected to be available to members and staffers on the House Energy and Commerce panel starting Thursday, but only in a dedicated reading room, one Republican lawmaker and a committee aide said. Nobody will be given copies to take with them. The unusual secrecy is a reflection of the sensitivity -- and the stakes -- surrounding the GOP effort to rewrite the Affordable Care Act, a top priority of President Donald Trump, who has yet to offer his own plan. (House and John, 3/1)
Morning Consult:
House Panel to Mark Up Obamacare Repeal Bill Next Week, Trump Ally Says
A House panel is expected to vote next week on legislation that would gut the Affordable Care Act, a key congressional ally of President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday. Rep. Chris Collins, a New York Republican, said a draft bill to repeal and begin replacing Obamacare would likely be made available to members of the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee for review on Thursday. A subcommittee mark-up is expected to be held next week. (Reid, 3/1)
The Hill:
House Panel To Markup ObamaCare Repeal Bill Next Week, Lawmaker Says
The House Energy and Commerce Committee plans to hold a markup on ObamaCare repeal and replace legislation next week, according to panel member Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.). Collins said that lawmakers on the Health subcommittee, such as himself, will be able to read a copy of the bill this Thursday and provide feedback. Asked if the markup is coming next week, Collins said, “That’s our plan, plans do change.” (Sullivan, 3/1)