Can reform be repealed if Republicans gain control of both houses of Congress?
It’s an uphill climb for reform opponents. First, they must seize control of both houses. Then, if the president vetoes a repeal bill – and President Obama assuredly will — Republicans must command a two-thirds congressional majority to override the veto. But if a Republican wins the presidency in 2012 or in 2016, repeal of health reform becomes more possible. Under that scenario, they would need a filibuster-proof 60 votes to junk the law entirely. But short of 60, Republicans with a Senate majority could still cut off or delay funding for implementation of reform provisions. Reform opponents with a majority “can always make trouble for the president,” Jost says.
