Rules panel moves to repeal health reform

The morning after Republicans assumed leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, the House Rules Committee took steps to repeal and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.) opened what became a heated committee meeting to hear testimony from members of several House committees about “Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act,” the name of the repeal bill the House is scheduled to vote on next week.

Dreier also introduced a resolution that directs the Energy and Commerce, Education and the Workforce, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees to begin working on a replacement bill that centers on fostering economic growth and job creation; lowering healthcare premiums through greater competition and choice; expanding incentives to encourage personal responsibility for healthcare costs; and eliminating duplicative government programs and wasteful spending.

In the hearing, Rules Committee member Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) pushed for an open rule to the repeal bill, which would allow for hearings and amendments on the House floor. But some Republican members who testified, including Fred Upton (R-Mich.), said they would not support an open rule. “Repeal should be yes or no, so no open rule,” Upton said, adding later that the time for such discussion would come on a replacement bill.

The House is expected to vote on a repeal bill Jan. 12.