Coburn casts doubt on health repeal this year; Health groups lobbying on implementation

The Hill reports Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said Friday that "Republicans can only 'nip at' the law until healthcare opponents take back the White House and gain majorities in Congress, or gain veto-proof majorities in both the House and Senate. … Many conservative activists and Republican lawmakers have argued for full repeal right away, but others have said that won't be possible."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., "said earlier this month that inserting language into appropriations bills would get rid of healthcare funding. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said this week that a similar strategy could result in a government shutdown if Obama decides to veto the spending bill with the repeal language included" (Fabian, 4/16).

Coburn's remarks were made in a podcast with conservative blogger Jenny Erikson ( 4/16).

The Associated Press: "All sorts of special interests — business, labor, medical, consumer and ideological — are now focused on how the new law shaping the nation's health care system will be carried out. They're also turning lawmakers' votes into ammunition for this year's congressional campaigns and beyond. … [they're hoping] to influence the drafting of regulations to implement the 2,500-plus pages of health care legislation. Agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services are in the early stages of writing those rules, a process that can take months or even years." AP looks at the concerns and efforts by "anxious players" including health insurers, the AARP, drug makers, businesses and unions (Fram, 4/16).