House Democrats tried to delay a markup for the Republican healthcare plan that repeals and partially replaces Obamacare, as lawmakers clashed in a contentious hearing over the bill.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted along party lines to not delay Wednesday’s markup of its portion of the American Health Care Act, which guts Obmacare and partially replaces it. The committee’s portion includes keeping the Medicaid expansion until 2020 and then replacing it with a per capita cap.
Lawmakers finished a contentious period of opening statements, and an argument erupted soon after over the number of amendments to be considered and a motion from Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the top Democrat on the committee, to postpone the markup for 30 days.
“You are trying to rush this bill. If this process continues all day long, it will be a very unfortunate circumstance,” Pallone said.
The motion was tabled with a 30-22 vote.
Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., said lawmakers don’t hold debates during vote on motions.
Things got heated earlier when Walden brushed off inquiries from Pallone and other Democrats on the committee’s course of action.
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t recognize you,” he told Pallone.
Democrats tried again later to delay the markup, calling for it to be postponed until a score from the Congressional Budget Office is released on how the bill will affect insurance coverage and spending. That motion failed with a 31-20 vote.
