Senator Jim DeMint on Repealing Obamacare: Challenges and Strategies

Strategic Insights -

Senator Jim DeMint from South Carolina, a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act, was interviewed on Fox News Channel's "On the Record" with Greta Van Susteren on February 1, 2011. DeMint explained the Republican strategy to repeal the healthcare law, which is attached to an FAA authorization bill. He acknowledged the challenges of passing the repeal in the Democratic-controlled Senate and discussed the potential for some Democratic senators to break away from their party's stance on the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican-led effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act is attached to an FAA authorization bill and may come up as an amendment vote in the Senate.
  • Senator Jim DeMint stated that the process of repealing the law is crucial for Americans to know where their senators stand on it, especially before the 2012 elections.
  • DeMint emphasized the importance of getting all 47 Republicans on record against the law and working to de-fund it, giving states waivers to opt out, and allowing the courts to rule on its constitutionality.
  • He also highlighted the recent court decisions, including one in Florida, which are starting to show the public the massive overreach of federal power by the law.
  • DeMint expressed concerns that if the law stands, it will set a precedent for Congress to dictate what Americans must buy, including government-approved health insurance plans.

Statistics:

  • The Affordable Care Act has issued over 500 waivers to organizations, including union friends of President Obama, citing the expense of implementing the program.
  • The law has been criticized for its potential to infringe on individual liberties and states' rights, with DeMint stating that it is built on a government foundation and would allow Congress to dictate what Americans must buy.
  • The Democratic-controlled Senate may try to table the repeal bill, but DeMint believes that some Democrats, such as Senator McCaskill, who faces an amendment in Missouri that opposes the mandate, may break away from their party's stance.

Sources:

  • Fox News Channel "On the Record" interview with Senator Jim DeMint on February 1, 2011
  • Transcribed by Federal News Service, Inc.
  • Copyright 2011 by Federal News Service, Inc.