As Senate Republicans push their latest Obamacare repeal bill toward a quick vote, congressional Democrats are asking the Congressional Budget Office to offer the public “a full understanding of the impact this legislation would have on hard-working families.” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, joined by Rep. John Yarmuth and Sen. Bernie Sanders, the ranking members on the House and Senate Budget Committees, sent the CBO director a letter asking for “a comprehensive CBO analysis” of the Graham-Cassidy bill before it comes up for a vote.
A comprehensive CBO analysis is not a sure thing after Republicans have been repeatedly embarrassed by headlines highlighting how many people would lose health coverage under different Republican healthcare plans. Politico’s Heather Caygle reports that:
Democratic leaders say they fear Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), given the truncated timeline to consider the bill, is requesting only the bare-minimum analysis from budget scorekeepers required by reconciliation rules. Given the bill’s complexity, a full CBO analysis might not be ready until after the Sept. 30 deadline.
So McConnell has two reasons to want a barebones analysis: the fewer details voters hear about what Republicans want to do to their health care, the less political damage Republicans will sustain, and Republicans need to get this done fast or lose their chance. But voters need to know before it’s too late.
Another Obamacare repeal bill?! It’s time to jam the congressional phone lines again. Call your senator at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on any repeal bill. (After you call, please tell us how it went.)