Actually, it's pretty much the same old Congress.
If at first you fail to succeed, try again another 55 times. Yes, the Republican House of Representatives will vote again Tuesday for a full repeal of Obamacare. While they're doing that, President Obama will be
meeting with Obamacare enrollees at the White House.
"Today's meeting comes as Republicans in the House of Representatives vote to repeal the law and take these benefits away from millions of Americans," a White House official said.
"Congress has tried to repeal or undermine this law more than 50 times, but the President will continue to stand with the families who have better care and choices as a result of the law."
As usual, the Senate is unlikely to bring up this vote. Even Republicans now in control in that body know that it's a waste of time. And, as usual, the White House has
issued a veto threat pointing out what would be lost if the law were to disappear.
More than 250 million Americans with insurance–private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid–would lose the benefits and protections they receive under the health care law. Insurance companies would no longer have to cover as dependents millions of young adults who have been able to stay on or sign up on their parents' plans. Lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on coverage could be reimposed. Women could be charged more than men and up to 129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions would be at risk of not being able to access or afford health coverage. Policies that promote efficiency and accountability in health care and health insurance would be erased.
But there are brand-new Republican members of the House who still haven't gotten their chance to vote on repeal. Since this has now become a rite of passage for proving teabagger mettle, it doesn't even matter any more how much of a waste of time and energy it is for the House. But it's not like they were going to do anything productive, anyway.