Ga. Congressmen join fight to repeal ‘Obamacare’

In round two of healthcare reform, Congressional Republicans, including members of Georgia’s delegation, are working toward the repeal of a measure Congress passed in March.

“Georgians overwhelmingly expressed their support to repeal Obamacare, create jobs, eliminate unconstitutional and burdensome regulations, reduce spending, and most importantly, restore a constitutionally-limited government,” U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., said in a statement.

“Repealing Obamacare is a part of Republicans’ broader and immediate efforts to address our nation’s fiscal challenges and get our economy moving again,” U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., said in a statement. “The enormous growth in the size, scope, power, and cost of the federal bureaucracy is bankrupting our nation. It is building countless barriers to job creation while hammering away at Americans’ individual liberties.”

But, Republicans will no doubt face staunch opposition from a number of Democrats.

“By repealing the Health law, the Republicans will allow insurance companies to cut costs by dropping people when they get sick and denying coverage for Americans with pre-existing conditions,” U.S. Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., said during a debate on WXIA-TV (11 Alive). “They will take away prescription drug benefits for seniors and small business insurance tax cuts. They will drop young people from their parents’ insurance.”

Georgia and 19 other states in challenging the health care law. The lawsuit – initially filed by Florida’s attorney general – is still pending.

However, a federal judge in December ruled a federal mandate requiring individuals purchase health insurance is unconstitutional, prompting critics to declare victory in a months-long battle over healthcare reform. U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson ruled in a case filed by the state of Virginia.