The Republican Party is pulling itself apart over a looming healthcare deadline as a clear plan for the future is yet to appear.
GOP representatives are still figuring out a plan for millions of Americans, though the Affordable Care Act will end at the end of this year whether a new plan is presented or not. One Republican representative, speaking to The Hill, called the situation a “recipe for disaster” — as few in the party are on the same page.
Republican Senator Josh Hawley said, “If they can’t figure out a plan, then maybe you got to do some kind of short-term extension until we figure out a plan. They should get together here and hammer something out… sitting back and saying, ‘There’s nothing we can do, we’re just going to let it all expire, we don’t have a substitute, we don’t have an alternative,’ that I think is really a recipe for disaster for people trying to buy health care.”
He went on, “What signal would that send if Republicans say, ‘Yeah, we’re going to say no to the Democrats’ plan, but we’re not going to offer anything? The message that will send is, good luck to the American people, and we don’t really care.”
An unnamed Senate Republican said there is an “ongoing discussion” over what to do with the healthcare proposals but that, as of now, there is no definite route for the party. They said, “We’re having an ongoing discussion. We need a side-by-side. A lot of in-cycle members would like a side-by-side.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has since suggested the GOP is at an impasse over what to do with the looming health care deadline. He said, “They’re stuck. They can’t get their caucus to agree on a bill.”
The in-fighting and unclear route through to a new healthcare plan to replace the ACA has even prompted some Democrats to offer their help to their opponents to find a suitable plan.
Democratic whip Dick Durbin says a bipartisan deal could be struck with the foundations of the Moreno-Collins plan, which calls for a two-year extension of subsidies. Durbin said, “I want to sit down with them. I don’t think that’s a bad place to start. I’m encouraged by the fact that they want to talk.”
Republican Senators Bernie Moreno and Susan Collins shared their plan to extend the enhanced ACA rates for a further two years. A separate plan from Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy and Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo would see federal funding converted into advanced subsidies.
The post GOP insiders warn huge debate threatens to tear ranks apart: ‘We don’t really care’ appeared first on Raw Story.
