This week in marathon markup sessions, the U.S. House Ways and Means and House Energy and Commerce committees debated budget reconciliation legislation intended to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
<< Summary and markup of Ways and Means bill
<< Summary and markup for Energy and Commerce bill
Ways and Means members worked until nearly 4:30 a.m. Thursday before reporting the bill it began discussing at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Energy and Commerce talked for 27 hours straight before voting on its bill, which deals primarily with Medicaid.
The markup is the first step in what is expected to be a three-week process. Next week, the House Rules Committee will combine the two bills into a single reconciliation bill to be known as the American Health Care Act. The full House is expected to vote on the combined reconciliation bill the week of March 20, the third and final week of the House process.
Senate action is targeted for April before Congress recesses for Easter.
The Alabama Retail Association will follow the federal action closely to keep you informed on how any changes adopted affect your business.
This article is part of the Alabama Retail Report, a communication for Alabama Retail Association members. Not a member? Join us!