Sen. McConnell Opposes Filibuster of Bill Defunding PPACA

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) has said he won't block a final vote on a spending bill that includes a provision to defund the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to a report from The Hill.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and some conservative groups have called for Republican senators to filibuster the bill to stop Democrats from setting up a vote to amend the legislation to strip it of the provision eliminating funding for the healthcare reform bill, according to the report. Sen. Cruz has called for any amendments to be subject to a 60-vote threshold, since Democrats could currently amend the bill to fund healthcare reform with 51 votes.

House lawmakers passed the spending resolution last Friday. Federal lawmakers must pass a spending bill before Oct. 1 to prevent a government shutdown.

Sen. McConnell won't vote to block the bill because he supports defunding the PPACA while also funding the government without increasing spending, a spokesman told The Hill.

More Articles on PPACA Opposition:
PPACA Exchanges Could Still Run if Government Shuts Down
Democrats: Defunding PPACA Will "Wreak Havoc" on Federal Health Programs
House Passes Spending Bill That Would Defund PPACA