With Senate Dems developing a strategy of piece-by-piece repeal votes on the Affordable Care Act, forcing Republicans to take difficult votes on popular provisions, the GOP is creating a like strategy. According to Greg Sargent, they will force votes on the various tax provisions in the law.
Now the GOP is preparing their response to the Dem response. According to a GOP Senate aide, Republicans may counter by demanding a vote on whether to repeal provisions disliked by business, such as the one that imposes an excise tax on medical device manufacturers. Those manufacturers have been complaining that this provision forces them to shoulder an unfair burden of the cost of expanded health coverage and could lead to layoffs.
The GOP aide says if Dems try to force votes on individual provisions, Republicans will respond in kind. GOP aides are combing through the legislation to find provisions that they can demand votes on, should it come to that.
This is definitely a fight Senate Dems should be willing to take on. Pit the excise tax on medical device manufacturers against ending pre-existing conditions for children? Or against the $250 prescription rebate for seniors? That's a PR battle Dems should be happy to take on.