Republicans in U.S. call for health-care reform replacement
U.S. Republicans are calling for President Obama's health-care reform package to be "repealed and replaced," after the final details were approved Thursday.
In the Republican's weekly Saturday address, the Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the health care system needs reform, but it can be done without raising taxes as the newly passed law does.
Republicans have criticized Mr. Obama's plan from the start saying it is too expensive and that it amounts to a government takeover of healthcare.
The U.S. Congress passed the bill without any Republican votes.
Media reports say U.S. President Barack Obama will sign the "fix-it" package of changes next week, completing the legislative process on health care reform, Mr. Obama's top domestic priority.
Republicans had tried to stall the package with a series of amendments, but all were rejected.
When combined, the two bills offer health insurance coverage to more than 30 million Americans who lack coverage. The bills prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions, and require most businesses to offer coverage to their employees.
A survey by Quinnipiac University shows Americans in general are split on the issue of health care reform, with nearly half of the respondents saying they disapprove of the new law, while 40 percent say they approve.
VOA News
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