WASHINGTON: US Senate Republicans on Thursday (Friday in Manila) unveiled a revamped health care plan aimed at fulfilling President Donald Trump’s pledge to repeal Obamacare, but a revolt by four conservatives put the bill in immediate jeopardy. For the past seven years, Republicans have worked to repeal the landmark health reforms of Trump’s Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. Senate Republicans are painting the new plan as less austere than the House bill which, according to a forecast by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), would leave 23 million fewer people insured than under current law. Any new Senate bill would have to be reconciled with the House version. While Trump reportedly called the House bill “mean” and wants to see a bill with heart, Schumer said “the Senate bill may be meaner.”The new legislation would eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood, a non-profit health organization that Trump’s administration has targeted for cuts because it provides abortion services.

Source: Manila Times June 23, 2017 10:07 UTC