Parliamentarian issues warning on another GOP healthcare proposal

The Senate parliamentarian advised senators Thursday that another GOP healthcare proposal will need 60 votes for passage because it violates Senate rules.

The GOP’s repeal and replace plan, which failed on the floor Tuesday, contained a provision that would allow states to waive some ObamaCare requirements, including one that says insurers must cover 10 certain benefits in all of their plans.

But the parliamentarian advised that the language would violate the rules of reconciliation, the fast track budget maneuver Republicans are using that only needs 51 votes and is immune to Democratic filibuster.

Because the state waivers language violates these rules, it would need 60 votes, which is impossible without Democratic support.

The parliamentarian has already saidthat a number of other provisions could be stripped out.

These provisions, which are part of the GOP’s failed repeal and replace bill, could still be added to whatever healthcare bill Congress passes.

Republicans want to push through the Senate a “skinny repeal” bill that eliminates ObamaCare’s insurance mandates and some taxes.

That bill may then go to conference with the House, where more language could be added, including these provisions that are revised to meet Senate rules.

It’s not yet clear how the state waivers could be changed to follow Senate rules.