The markup of a major Republican plan to repeal and partially replace Obamacare got off to a contentious start Wednesday as Democrats urged for more time for opening statements.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee met to mark up their portion of the American Health Care Act, which repeals most of Obamacare and partially replaces it.
As a preamble to the partisan clash about to occur, Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the committee’s top Democrat, called for more time for Democrats to give opening statements since it is such an important issue.
But Chairman Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., balked at his suggestion.
“We communicated the plan for the committee markup yesterday and we heard no objections back,” he said.
The committee did allow another opening statement from Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla.
