House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday that a much-anticipated health insurance reform bill would be introduced after Republicans return from a week-long recess.
“After Congress returns from the President’s Day recess, we intend to introduce legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare,” Ryan told reporters at his weekly press conference.
Ryan, R-Wis., told the Washington Examiner in a follow-up question that the measure may not be ready the week of February 26, when they return from the recess, and could require more time because lawmakers are awaiting a price tag for the GOP proposal from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. CBO has to “score” the plan, or assess its effect on federal spending, before the GOP can move ahead.
“It’s after the recess,” Ryan said. “We are waiting for our scores. So pending our drafting issues, we are going to be bringing it up after the recess.”
Ryan told reporters last month he intended to pass a repeal and replace measure by the end of March.
Once the proposal is introduced, it will be vetted in committees before moving to the floor for a vote. The Senate will then take up the measure, which will be considered under special budgetary rules requiring only 51 votes for passage instead of the usual 60.
