Obamacare repeal gets to president's desk

They’ve tried a number of times, but finally got an Obamacare repeal bill to President Barack Obama’s desk this week.

As expected, Obama vetoed the bill. It was the first time, however, that Congress managed to get an Obamacare repeal to the president’s desk. Members of both houses have discussed a repeal dozens of times and passed bills to do so. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8, and Virginia Foxx, R-5, both issued statements publicly praising the bill. Hudson also denounced Obama’s veto.

“President Obama had the opportunity to confront his failing health care law today,” Hudson said Friday. “Unfortunately, his veto signals that he is still not listening to the American people and instead is doubling down on protecting his legacy. We’re going to vote to override this irresponsible veto and continue to work to advance patient-centered health care North Carolinians deserve.”

Among other things, the bill would’ve repealed mandates for individuals to have medical coverage and repealed employers to offer coverage. It also would’ve eliminated the 2.3 percent tax on medical devices and the 40 percent excise tax on high-cost employer plans.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, also publicly voiced his opposition to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, in a statement.

“ObamaCare has proven to be a disaster for far too many hardworking Americans, and our nation is in desperate need of healthcare reform that will actually help control costs and allow families to start making their own healthcare decisions that work best for them,” Tillis said.