House Democrats are attempting to ensure the markup of a Republican bill to repeal and partially replace Obamacare takes as long as possible, turning to procedural moves to delay the legislation.
Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday objected to a routine move in which lawmakers agree to suspend the reading of a bill, calling instead for the committee clerk to read the manager’s amendment, which outlines the committee’s portion of the American Health Care Act.
Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., said that the reading could take several hours. The manager’s amendment is 66 pages long.
Walden initially suspended the reading of the bill, but New Mexico Democrat Ben Lujan objected.
At first it appeared the reading was suspended as the committee moved on to consider a motion from Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., to delay the markup for 30 days.
After that motion was tabled, Lujan reiterated that he objected to skipping the reading.
“Check the tapes,” he said.
Walden agreed that Lujan had objected but said that he didn’t hear him due to inquiries from Pallone.
After the bill is read, the committee presumably will start considering amendments. Pallone, the top Democrat on the panel, said his party alone appears to have more than 100 amendments.
