Tennessee Republicans voted along party lines Wednesday to repeal the health care law. Now, the GOP-controlled House begins working to replace the measure. From our Capitol Hill bureau in Washington, Manuel Quinones reports Tennessee freshman Republican, Diane Black wants to promote free market ideas.
Congresswoman Black and other Tennessee Republicans voted to repeal the new law knowing Senate Democrats and President Obama would block that effort. Those Democrats defend their healthcare overhaul saying it helps the uninsured and people with pre-existing conditions. Black says members on both sides of the aisle mostly agree on the ends, just not the means.
“People need to know that we are going to take care of those with pre-existing conditions, but in a different manner. We all want to get to there, but how do you get there… and the way Republicans want to get there is by opening up those market forces.”
One oft-mentioned Republican idea is letting people buy health coverage across state lines. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Black will be on the front lines of crafting a new plan. Critics say the GOP should have had one by now, instead of mounting a repeal effort.
Our political reporting from Capitol News Connection in Washington is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and PRI – Public Radio International.
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