President threatens to veto GOP’s ObamaCare bills to delay mandates

President Obama is threatening to veto Republican bills that would delay the healthcare reform law’s employer and individual mandates.

Obama declared the employer bill “unnecessary” — the administration announced the same delay on July 2 — and said the individual bill is harmful to consumers in a Statement of Administration Policy issued Tuesday.

The measures will see House votes on Wednesday, but are unlikely to pass the Senate.

{mosads}The White House mounted a general defense of the Affordable Care Act in its statement, arguing the law will improve healthcare for millions of Americans.

“The [GOP] bills, taken together, would cost millions of hard-working middle class families the security of affordable health coverage and care they deserve,” the veto threat stated.

“Rather than attempting once again to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which the House has tried to do nearly 40 times, it’s time for the Congress to stop fighting old political battles.”

House Republicans have attempted to repeal, dismantle or defund ObamaCare more than 35 times since its passage.

Wednesday’s votes were announced last week as a response to the administration’s decision to delay the employer mandate.

That policy requires that larger businesses offer healthcare coverage to their workers.

Obama officials said the deferral responds to the private sectors’ desire for more time to comply.

Republicans have argued that if businesses won’t have to offer health coverage in 2014, individuals should not be required to carry it that year either.

The Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday that the GOP’s individual mandate delay bill would cut the deficit but cause health insurance premiums to rise.

Budget analysts did not release a cost estimate for delaying the employer mandate.