Arizona Shooting May Soften Healthcare Debate

The deadly shooting spree in Arizona may temper the heated debate over healthcare reform when the House returns to the issue next week. But that doesn’t erase the split between those who want Obamacare to be repealed and those who don’t, Politico reports.

“Repealing the healthcare reform law is still a top priority for House Republicans, who expect the tone of the debate to be as measured as possible, focused exclusively on policy differences and not political charges,” the news service states.

“This tragedy will weigh heavily on every member when they return, and we all hope that House business will remain focused on substantive policy differences, regardless of what legislation is considered next week,” John Murray, deputy chief of staff to Majority Leader Eric Cantor, tells Politico.