On March 8, 2017, the two House Committees responsible for healthcare policy related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) held marathon-like deliberations to mark-up their respective portions of the Republicansponsored health reform repeal and replacement bill, the American Health Care Act. Debate in both Committees extended overnight, with the House Ways & Means Committee adjourning early morning on Thursday, March 9, after over 18 hours in session. The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed its recommended bill after 27 hours of debate later that afternoon.

After these 45 hours of Committee action, the reconciliation legislation approved by each of these Committees will be combined into a single bill by the House Budget Committee. Also next week, it is expected that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) will produce a “score” for the bill, to outline the fiscal impact. Before the end of the month, that single bill is expected to be considered on the House floor. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has indicated his plans to take a House-passed bill directly to the Senate floor for consideration, bypassing Committee action.