The Senate may include an Obamacare mandate repeal in their tax bill

McConnell thinks it could help the bill. No Images? Click here         Senate Headed Toward Including Obamacare Mandate Repeal In Tax Bill Senate Republicans are now strongly considering including a repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate in their tax proposal, a decision that could greatly complicate the GOP’s efforts to cut taxes and could arm Democrats with a major talking point against the legislation. Republicans don’t appear certain the individual mandate repeal will ultimately be part of their tax proposal, but it appears the Senate Finance Committee will include repeal language in the bill it reports to the floor. “We’re optimistic that inserting the individual mandate repeal would be helpful,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with Republicans. One of the three Republicans who voted against an Obamacare repeal over the summer, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), said Tuesday that she would wait to see what ultimately comes to the floor, but she believes including a portion of the health care repeal in this legislation would hurt the tax bill, not help it. READ MORE     WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING? A congresswoman says at least two current members of Congress -- one a Democrat, and one a Republican -- have sexually harassed staffers. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), an outspoken advocate for making it easier for people working in Congress to report sexual misconduct, didn't name the members. READ MORE Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he forgot a former Trump adviser's comments about Russia in the "chaos" of the campaign.  READ MORE Remember Mike Pence's NFL walkout? It cost the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department more than $14,000. READ MORE    .     ICYMI Paul Ryan joins the GOP lawmakers now calling on Roy Moore to "step aside."   Less than a month ago, most Clinton voters didn't believe their activism was effective. Last week's election seems to have changed their minds.   A bipartisan group of former Interior Department officials has condemned a plan to allow drilling in a pristine Alaska wildlife refuge.    . Want more?  Mike Pence Keeps Getting Caught In A Web Of Deception   Lawyer Suing Anti-Fascist For Calling Him A Nazi   Jeff Sessions Weighs Competing Special Counsel Focused On Clinton, Democrats   How will Trump’s administration impact you? Sign up for our email and find out. Did a friend send you this? Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Want more? Here are two other newsletters you'll love: The Morning Email and Must Reads. ©2017 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe    . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe