The Republican effort to repeal the healthcare law is sure to founder in the Democratic-controlled Senate, but that doesn't mean that the GOP is ending its assault on the law. House Republicans are already beginning work in committees to lop off and possibly replace some of the law's individual provisions. Party leaders have released few specifics, but some of the changes that have been urged by Republicans and a few Democrats could affect Americans' healthcare spending and coverage under the law. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp of Michigan was blunt about the strategy when addressing reporters last week: "If the tree is rotten, you cut it down." If that doesn't work, "we'll prune it branch by branch."
