GOP crafts narrow agenda for new Congress, seeking unity, Democratic votes
With the 2016 presidential campaign already looming large, McConnell (Ky.) and Boehner (Ohio) are both eager to shed the party’s image as an unruly collection of obstructionists and far-right ideologues.
The remedy, they have decided: Act quickly to send President Obama bills with bipartisan support to fast-track international trade agreements, repeal an unpopular tax on medical devices and approve the Keystone XL pipeline...
However, GOP leaders are discussing more limited efforts to undermine the [ACA], such as watering down the requirement that employers offer full-time workers coverage, which takes effect in January. The administration has already delayed portions of that mandate.
Republicans could also try to change the definition of a full-time worker from someone who works 30 hours a week to 40 hours a week, another proposal likely to draw substantial Democratic support.