[caption id=”attachment_128443″ align=”aligncenter” width=”638″] (Associated Press)
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The Senate will take a vote on repealing the Obamacare medical device tax and the idea of a repeal has had bipartisan support. And yet the outcome of such a vote still remains a question.
The tax in question involves an excise tax on 2.3 percent of the sales of medical devices. Conservatives have frequently criticized the tax, pointing out that it has increased costs for companies as well as consumers.
National Journal reported that in June, with bipartisan votes, the House repealed the tax. There has been little movement in the Senate, though.
Although the vote has not yet been scheduled, aides said it will take place before the end of the year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office noted that it’s something they’d like to see happen.
Despite bipartisan support, some Democrats have come out against the repeal, as it would involve admitting problems with the law. Even some Republicans are against it, as it is not a full repeal.
It is almost certain that President Obama would veto legislation repealing any part of his signature legislation. The president has defended the law several times over the year. And in order to gain the 67 votes to override a potential veto, unified Republican support is crucial.
That there are those who want full repeal of the law is understandable. However, until full repeal is possible, small steps can’t hurt.
