The Department of Justice (DoJ) may try to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in its entirety. In new court filings, the DoJ is arguing that the entire law should be repealed. In the past, the DoJ had focused on targeting individual parts of the law, such as the healthcare mandate. But now, they will seek to completely undo the law.
The Department of Justice is arguing that it would be wrong to pick and choose which parts of the law should remain in effect. This would essentially undermine Congress, according to DoJ lawyers, and their ability to set laws. However, at the same time, the DoJ argues, provisions in the Affordable Care Act are unconstitutional. As such, the law should be struck down in its entirety.
President Trump has claimed that Republicans are working on an alternative health care plan that will feature lower premiums. Trump further claims that the law will be voted on shortly after the Presidential elections. However, no one has seen this alleged new health care program.
This move by the Trump administration comes as a bit of a surprise. 50 percent of Americans support the Affordable Care Act while under 40 percent disapprove of it. Quite likely, some of those who disapprove of the act would rather see it expanded rather than outright repealed.
Further, fellow Republicans have tried to dissuade President Trump from repealing the act, fearing a public backlash if people lose access to health care. With the 2020 Presidential race heating up and looking to be hotly contested, even a slight dip in support could cost Trump his reelection.
