Republican plans to quickly repeal Obamacare could be thwarted by members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, who are threatening to block passage of the budget resolution that will allow an easy repeal the health law over fears that it might keep Obamacare taxes in place.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, R-N.C., told the Washington Examiner he is unlikely to support the resolution poised for passage in the Senate next week because of his worries about Obamacare taxes. He said his members could block it in the House by using their roughly 40-member caucus to deny the GOP majority that's needed to pass it.
"Are we willing? I think the answer is yes," Meadows told the Washington Examiner.
The HFC holds significant leverage on the issue because Republicans only have a 23-seat majority. If more than 23 Republicans vote against the resolution, it would fail to pass the House, since all Democrats are expected to oppose it.
That would create a major speed bump for Republicans who are hoping to repeal Obamacare as soon as possible. Members of the HFC will meet Monday night to decide whether to back the resolution.
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01.12.2025