U.S. House moves spending bill with a strike at health care law | www.myajc.com

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans on Friday made the first move in the stare-down over how to keep the government running past the end of the month, passing a bill to strip funding from the Affordable Care Act while maintaining spending levels into December.

Spurred on by the most conservative corner of their caucus, rallied by Ranger Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, House leaders sent a package attacking the law known as Obamacare to the Senate, where Democrats have said they will not pass it.

President Barack Obama also has vowed a veto to protect his largest domestic achievement as its implementation begins in earnest.

But House Republicans said not to count them out, as they fight to “save” America from the health care law before enrollment on the state-based health insurance exchanges begins Oct. 1.

“Our message to the United States Senate is real simple: The American people don’t want the government shut down, and they don’t want Obamacare,” House Speaker John Boehner said after Friday’s vote, with most of his caucus cheering him on. “The House has listened to the American people, now it’s time for the United States Senate to listen to them as well.”

Georgia’s House members split on party lines, as did the House for the most part, in the 230-189 vote.

“This isn’t the way folks expect Congress to operate, and today’s bill seriously jeopardizes the future of the American economy,” said U.S. Rep. John Barrow, a moderate Augusta Democrat who occasionally sides with Republicans. “I didn’t support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to develop a practical proposal to avoid a government shutdown.”

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