On Thursday, Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., embarked on a noble quest through the corridors of Capitol Hill, seeking a new grail rumored to be stored securely under “lock and key” in a “secret location.”
In a dramatic twist, Paul was turned away at the gates to the treasure before a gaggle of press, inciting a flurry of speculation and outrage over House Republicans’ secrecy.
The treasure in question? A draft of the House GOP’s bill to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Taking to the airwaves of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” the following day, Paul alleged these security measures may be meant to obscure objectionable components of the draft. Based on reports, Paul explained, “It keeps the Cadillac tax but renames it. It starts a new entitlement program with refundable tax credits, and it also keeps the individual mandate.”
This secrecy, he believes, may all be in an effort to put Senate Republicans in a “take it or leave it” position when their time comes to vote on the legislation.
Regardless of where one stands on the merits of the various policy propositions, Paul’s decision to apply a little conservative pressure to the House GOP is a net benefit to the process. If, as Paul alleges, House Republicans are cobbling together a bill that is out of step with their peers on the other side of the Capitol, at least they’re now talking about it.
If compromises need to be made between the two bodies, Paul’s efforts will only make that task easier. He also gave House Republicans an opportunity to explain themselves, one that may not have come as conveniently as the legislative process unfolds.
Friday morning, Paul announced that his quest to find the bill would continue throughout the day. Godspeed, Senator.
Emily Jashinsky is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
