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GOP leaders pitch children's health funding in plan to avert shutdown | TheHill

posted onJanuary 17, 2018
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Article snippet: House GOP leaders on Tuesday night pitched a new strategy to avert a looming government shutdown that includes children's health funding and the delay of ObamaCare taxes. Lawmakers need to pass a short-term stopgap bill by Feb. 16, and be coupled with a six-year extension of funding for the popular Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The continuing resolution or CR would also delay ObamaCare's medical device and Cadillac taxes for two years, and the health insurance tax for one year starting in 2019. It would not include relief for immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children, which Democrats have been pushing for. Rep. MORE (R-N.C.), the chief deputy whip, was full of confidence as he left the meeting of House Republicans in the Capitol’s basement. “I think we’re going to have a good vote and we can move this process forward,” said McHenry, who’s filling in as the GOP’s top vote-counter as Majority Whip MORE (R-La.) recovers from a surgery. Asked if GOP leaders can rally the Republicans needed to pass the CR without any Democrats, McHenry was optimistic –– and terse. “Yep,” he said. The House could vote as early as on Wednesday. If House GOP leaders can corral enough votes for the funding extension, the shutdown spotlight would shift to the Senate, where nine Democrats are needed to overcome a filibuster. Republicans are betting enough vulnerable Democratic senators will end up supporting the CR, especially if it includes funding for C... Link to the full article to read more

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