With Democratic help, GOP House ready to repeal medical tax, other parts of Obama health law

WASHINGTON – The House is ready to vote to repeal two pieces of President Barack Obama's health care law, despite veto threats.

One is a tax on medical devices. The other is a board that is supposed to suggest Medicare savings — but so far has no members and has never issued a recommendation.

Both efforts are expected to win some Democratic support, even though the White House says each would weaken the 2010 health care overhaul.

Thursday's votes were slated a day after top House and Senate Republicans told rank-and-file GOP lawmakers that they want to temporarily extend federal subsidies for many lower-earning Americans should the Supreme Court annul them.

They also want to erase many of the health care law's rules, including requirements that most people buy coverage.