Senate Democrats took action this week that will force a floor vote on a Trump administration rule that loosens ObamaCare waiver restrictions.
The move by Democrats, led by Sen. Mark Warner (Va.), paves the way for a recorded vote on whether to roll back a rule that makes it easier for insurance plans to qualify for waivers from ObamaCare’s requirements.
Democrats are able to force a vote on the Trump administration guidance under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Under the CRA they have to force a vote by Nov. 12.
The resolution, backed by every senator who caucuses with the Democrats, needs a simple majority to pass, meaning Democrats would need to pick up four GOP senators.
Democrats argue the rule could undermine protections pre-existing conditions by promoting “junk” plans, an argument they believe gives them a political opening to squeeze Republicans ahead of 2020.
“Senate Republicans say they care about preserving pre-existing condition protections, and now have a chance to prove it to the American people. I urge my colleagues to step up to the plate and join Senate Democrats in supporting this resolution,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement on Tuesday.
Warner added that the Trump administration rule “if left in place, would allow states to greenlight substandard, junk insurance plans that don’t fully protect people with pre-existing conditions, don’t cover essential health benefits … and raise costs on many American families.”