As the country debates what it should engage in another military conflict, the weekly Republican address Saturday made no mention of Syria.
Instead the address, delivered by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), was exclusively dedicated to attacking Obamacare ahead of the Oct. 1 initiation of enrollment in the law’s health insurance exchanges.
“The so-called Affordable Care Act is hurting middle class families — their wages, their jobs, and their health care,” Barrasso said. “The health care law has proven to be unpopular, unworkable, and unaffordable.”
“The American people have a choice,” he said. “We can embrace the status quo of Obamacare for four more years. Or we can repeal the law, and quickly move to help people get the care they need, from a doctor they choose, at lower cost. That’s what Republicans are fighting for.”
The decision to ignore the issue atop Congress’ agenda ahead of its return to session next week reflects the deep divisions within both parties as to whether to authorize President Obama’s call to punish the Syrian regime for using chemical weapons. House Republican leaders are supporting the mission but Senate Republican leaders are undecided.
