GOP senators bring states into attack on healthcare reform

Graham and co-sponsor Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said their bill opens up a new front on GOP efforts to destroy the reform law. They think that most states will opt out of healthcare reform’s most essential components.

“Why are 26 states suing the federal government if they don’t think there’s a problem with this bill?” Graham said, referring to a federal judge’s decision on Monday to strike down the entire healthcare reform law. The senators believe that by allowing states to enter the healthcare debate, governors could put pressure on lawmakers.

“Governors, regardless of party, are going to come to senators and say, “We’d like to have this opportunity,’” Barrasso said. 

The senators promised to force votes on their bill throughout the year.

“If we’re going to vote on naming a post office this year, you’re going to be voting on this,” Graham said. “We’re going to bring this up every time we can.”