Healthcare, the Congress and Presidential Politics

As promised during last year's campaign, House Republicans have voted unanimously to repeal the President's healthcare reform. Three Democrats joined the 242 Republicans yesterday to pass what's officially called the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act. Democrats, who control the Senate, have said they won't even allow a vote on the measure, trumpeting the benefits they say would be lost. If it did pass in the Upper House, it would face a presidential veto. As both parties strategize for next year's presidential campaign, attorneys general in 26 states have taken the matter to federal court. What are the political risks for both sides? What's at stake for the federal deficit, job growth and business, and coverage for 30 million uninsured Americans?