Capitol Correspondence - 01.14.19

Congressional GOP Exploring New Messaging on Healthcare

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As shared by The Hill:

“Republicans are looking for a new message and platform to replace their longtime call to repeal and replace ObamaCare, after efforts failed in the last Congress and left them empty-handed in the 2018 midterm elections.

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While Trump is focused on raising the profile of illegal immigration during a standoff over the border wall, other Republicans are quietly looking for a better strategy on health care, which is usually a top polling issue.

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“We need to take it to the next level,” [Republican pollster Jim McLaughlin] added. “You can’t get [ObamaCare] repealed. Let’s do things that will make health care more affordable and more accessible.” 

Senate Health Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), a close ally of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), says finding an answer to that question will be his top priority in the weeks ahead. 

Alexander will be meeting soon with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Health Committee, as well as Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee, to explore solutions for lowering health care costs.”