There are actually Republicans who are not as sociopathic as House Speaker Paul Ryan, and who are "anxious" to make sure there's really going to be a replacement plan, as Mike DeBonis reports in the Washington Post. They all know that in order to do that, they have to get Democrats on board and are facing strong Democratic defiance. Repeal can happen with a simple majority vote, but replacement is going to require Democratic help. Here's how they are considering extorting it.
Senate rules dictate that only measures with a discrete budgetary effect are permissible under reconciliation. So while Republicans could claim that the bill repealing Obamacare also contains a blueprint for its replacement, major parts of that replacement plan would need 60 Senate votes—and thus significant Democratic support.
According to multiple GOP sources, Republicans are looking at whether to use reauthorizations of existing programs, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program, as vehicles for replacement measures. That could give them leverage to secure cooperation from Democrats.
Yes, they're planning to take the kids hostage. Of course they are. Taking hostages is their default response every time they face tough opposition. Whether it’s the global economy with the debt ceiling or the health of children.
Democrats, make them do it. Make them own it. When millions of children no longer have health care, let their parents know exactly who's responsible.