Week ahead: Senate amendment to repeal ACA

This week's healthcare schedule will remind some of a quieter, simpler time — a time before healthcare reform. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled on the Affordable Care Act and the House has voted to repeal the law for a second time, the issue may finally recede somewhat on Capitol Hill. This is especially true as August recess approaches and as other issues — such as Medicare payments to physicians — cry out for attention before January 1.

The one exception is a possible healthcare repeal vote in the Senate, recently promised by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

"I would remind you all that we had that vote in 2011. Every single Republican voted to repeal it," McConnell said at a press conference Tuesday. "We believe it's appropriate to have that vote again and we'll be working to get that kind of vote in the near future." That day, he filed an amendment to the Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act that would repeal the law. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has vowed to block the effort.

—Healthwatch

Affordable Care Act Update

1. A LONGER VIEW OF THE HEALTH CARE COURT OPINION
   
2. HOUSE PASSES 'REPEAL OF OBAMACARE ACT'
   
3. DASCHLE: DEFUNDING IS BIGGEST THREAT
   
4. COST OF PRESIDENT'S HEALTH LAW RISES WITH EACH NEW ESTIMATE
   
5. REACTION IN THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY
   
6. CONSCIENCE RIGHTS (BACKGROUND)
   
7. HHS MANDATE LAWSUITS
   
8. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM TAX REPEAL ACT
   
9. REACTION IN THE STATES
   
10. EFFECTS ON PREVIOUS HEALTH CARE POLICIES
    
11. SIDE EFFECTS OF THE HEALTH CARE LAW
    

House Tuesday - Suspension Votes

On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) S. 2039 - A bill to allow a State or local government to construct levees on certain properties otherwise designated as open space lands (Sponsored by Sen. John Hoveven / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

2) S. 1959 - Haqqani Network Terrorist Designation Act of 2011, as amended(Sponsored by Sen. Richard Burr / Judiciary Committee)

3) H.R. 6018 - To authorize appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen / Foreign Affairs Committee)

4) S. 2165 - United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012(Sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer / Foreign Affairs Committee)

5) S. 2009 - Insular Areas Act of 2011 (Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman / Foreign Affairs Committee)