Working late into the night as Wednesday became Thursday, Senate Republicans approved a budget bill that paved the way for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare.
The bill allows a repeal to be passed with a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes normally required. The GOP has 52 seats in the Senate.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the legislation today.
Passed in 2010, Obamacare has been controversial from the start. Republicans have vowed to repeal the legislation. President-elect Donald Trump says his administration will replace the ACA with something better. But so far no new plan has surfaced and critics say repealing the law before having a replacement ready to go is unfair to those who have health insurance through Obamacare.
We want to know what you think. Should Congress repeal Obamacare as soon as possible, even if they do not have another plan in place? Or should they wait until they have something to replace it with?
Send your response (50 words maximum) to [email protected] by Wednesday, Jan. 18. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday's paper.
Last Week: Constitutional Carry?
Our question last week was about Texas legislative proposal that would make the concealed handgun carry permit-and the gun training course required to obtain one-optional. Should Texans have to obtain a permit to carry a handgun? Or should the permit and course become optional?
Yes, you should be required to have a permit and training. That way a background check is done and the class (which is only one day) should be required also. It basically makes sure you are familiar with the laws concerning carrying and that you have a basic knowledge of shooting your gun. That is one of the reasons Texas probably hasn't had too many incidents since open carry has been in effect.-C.H., Texarkana, Texas
The course was very helpful to me. I think all need classroom and practice required. When things go boom, training takes over. Hard to think when, in a split second, a decision must be made that impacts a life.-R.H., Texarkana, Texas
From www.facebook.com/texarkanagazette
- I've worked in the gun business for years. No gun safety class should be optional. If you think it isn't necessary, expose yourself to the kind of morons who buy guns everyday and you might see it differently.
- There are always going to be people who break the law. The Constitution does not allow everyone to carry, or even own, a gun. I believe the permit system, with background checks, keeps most people who cannot legally carry a gun from receiving a permit. If that person then decides to carry a gun illegally, they need to be charged with breaking the law. I believe you should have a state-issued permit to carry a gun.
- No permit should be required. My guess is that the person(s) meaning to do harm, don't have the permit. Gun control only stops law-abiding citizens. Schools are gun-free zones, yet there are still school shootings. I guess every single person committing this crime missed the "gun-free zone" sign? No. Bad people are going to come. The only way to stop them is if the good people are able to defend themselves.
- Permit no, thorough background checks and gun safety course yes
- Gun safety course yes every 6 months
- Don't have to pay for freedom of speech
- No, permit should be optional
- Optional.