Senate shift to GOP majority raises hopes for repeal of medical device tax

“We have a real opportunity to repeal one of the least popular, least constructive portions of Obamacare,” said U.S. Rep. Todd Young, R-Ind.

The Affordable Care Act imposed a 2.3 percent sales tax on the sale of certain medical devices beginning in 2013 to help fund health care reform. Opponents say it has stifled innovation and growth in the industry. They also claim other spending cuts could be used to offset the loss of revenue that would be caused by eliminating the tax.

The House has already passed legislation repealing the tax, and Young has been an outspoken supporter. The Senate, however, has been unable to do so despite support from both Republicans and Democrats.

“Harry Reid blocked it from a vote, even though 34 Democrats and 45 Republicans supported repeal of this egregious tax,” said U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., referring to the current Senate majority leader, a Democrat from Nevada.

With Republicans winning a majority of the Senate seats in the midterm elections earlier this month, current Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will take over as majority leader in January. If McConnell allows a vote, Indiana’s Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly has said he will support a repeal.