GOP senators meet to discuss repealing ACA mandate in tax bill

Senate Republicans are actively discussing whether to repeal the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate in their tax bill. Sens Rob Portman and Pat Toomey presented on the issue during today's caucus lunch, after Toomey and Sen. John Thune made the pitch in meeting of Finance Committee members last night.

Sen Rand Paul also announced today he plans to introduce an amendment repealing the mandate. In an interview, Sen Tim Scott said there's probably strong member support for repeal, potentially even among all 14 GOP members of Finance, and confirmed that the policy was discussed at last night's Finance meeting.

Be smart: Of course there's strong member support to repeal the mandate. The question is whether there are 50 votes to include it in the tax bill.

— This post has been updated.