Ackerman challenges GOP on health care repeal threats

"So, you want to repeal the health care law?" starts the letter to House colleagues by Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Roslyn Heights). "It's time to put up, or sit down."

After hearing Republicans vow to repeal "Obamacare" during their campaigns, he said he decided to call their bluff. On Tuesday, he circulated a letter seeking co-sponsors for the HIPA-CRIT Act (Health Insurance Protects America-Can't Repeal IT), which he hopes to introduce next week when Congress returns to Washington.

It would force Republicans to vote on repealing six of the law's most popular provisions, including its ban on denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions; its ban on ending coverage for those who get sick; its ban on annual and lifetime caps on health care coverage; and its enabling children to remain on their parents insurance policy until they're 26.

"Republicans wouldn't dare vote to do away with them despite their campaign pledge to do so," Ackerman said.

"But I'm calling them out on it, and dare the GOP to vote for these bills," the congressman said.

It's uncertain Ackerman's bill will come up for a vote and last night it was dismissed by Michael Steel, spokesman for House Minority Leader Johne Boehner (R-Ohio).