Democratic senators are pushing a measure to force 60 votes on any legislation that would change Medicare and Medicaid.
The amendment is to a non-binding budget resolution that is intended to start repealing Obamacare via reconciliation, which enables legislation to pass with a simple majority vote and bypass a filibuster.
“The assault on the Affordable Care Act is an assault on Medicare and Medicaid,” said Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, during a Monday press conference.
Hirono, alongside several other Democrats, introduced the measure that would require 60 votes on any legislation that would privatize Medicare or increase the eligibility age. The amendment also would require 60 votes for any legislation that would cut state funding for Medicaid.
Democrats even asked for some help from President-elect Trump, pointing to Trump’s campaign promise that he wouldn’t touch Medicare or Medicaid.
“What we need right now is a tweet from our president-elect saying I mean what I said,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.
Republicans have not announced plans to use the reconciliation process to include any changes to Medicare or Medicaid. But House Republicans previously have touted efforts to turn Medicare into a voucher program and turn Medicaid into a state block grant program.
The Senate is expected to complete votes on amendments to the budget resolution this week. The resolution directs Senate and House committees to draft repeal legislation by Jan. 27.
