House Republicans are postponing a vote to repeal the healthcare law
scheduled for next week after the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
(D-Ariz.) in Arizona.
Majority Leader Eric Cantor
Eric Ivan CantorCan the GOP break its addiction to show biz? Leaving on a high note: Outgoing NRCC head looks to build on 2020 Overnight Defense: US sanctions NATO ally Turkey over Russian defense system | Veterans groups, top Democrats call for Wilkie's resignation | Gingrich, other Trump loyalists named to Pentagon board MORE (R-Va.) said
in a statement late Saturday that “all legislation currently scheduled
to be considered by the House of Representatives next week is being
postponed so that we can take whatever actions may be necessary in
light of today’s tragedy.”
“Further information relating to a revised House schedule will be released tomorrow,” Cantor added.
He
said he had spoken with leaders of both parties before making the
decision.
The House was scheduled to vote on the healthcare repeal bill on Wednesday. That was the only major piece of legislation scheduled for the week. The House had planned to debate the bill Tuesday, and is scheduled to be out of session Monday.
"In light of yesterday's tragedy, our focus has changed," said Rep.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Cathy McMorris RodgersWashington Republican reverses, says she won't object to Electoral College vote McMorris Rodgers floats vacating Speaker's chair over Democrat's in-person vote after COVID diagnosis OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Westerman tapped as top Republican on House Natural Resources Committee | McMorris Rodgers wins race for top GOP spot on Energy and Commerce | EPA joins conservative social network Parler MORE (R-Wash.) "Fox News Sunday." "We're focused on
what happened in Arizona, and we need to make sure that we are
responding appropriately to that tragedy before we get involved in the
legislative business of Congress."
McMorris Rogers denied that delaying the healthcare vote was a
result of the threats against members that were tied to the legislation.
"We are just taking some more time," she said. "The repeal of healthcare is a top priority for the new majority in Congress."
"I want to applaud the Republican leadership for doing what they've
done in this instance to give everybody a chance to step back, and take
a hard look at this and decide how they go forward," said Rep. James
Clyburn (D-S.C.), who serves as assistant minority leader, said on Fox
News Sunday. "I don't think they won."
This post was updated at 12:50 p.m. Sunday
