House restarts healthcare debate, vote expected by 6:00 p.m.

The House convened at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, and after some early housekeeping resumed debate on H.R. 2, which would repeal last year's healthcare law. Five hours of debate are expected today, culminating in a vote that is expected by 6:00 p.m.

This morning's debate is being led by members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Early debate has given a nod to whether the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act creates jobs, as Democrats believe, or destroys jobs, as Republicans argue. But both sides are also continuing their arguments about the effect of the law on the U.S. budget deficit, and whether the insurance mandate violates the Constitution.

Later debate today will be led by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and ranking member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman David Camp (R-Mich.) and ranking member Sandy Levin (D-Mich.).