Senate Leaders Discussing Health Reform Repeal Vote - February 1, 2011

Conceding that Senate Republicans would be able to force a vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is negotiating with his Republican counterpart, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to discuss options for an orderly process to bring up the measure. It is not immediately clear when such a vote might take place. The Senate is currently working on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. Senate Democrats are simultaneously working to find opportunities to defend the health care law. Last week, the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the impact of the ACA on consumers. This week, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) will hold a hearing on the constitutionality of the law.