Conventional wisdom has it that entitlement programs cannot be repealed. Iowa Republican Steve King didn't get the memo. The Daily Caller reports that his discharge petition is gaining momentum among GOP lawmakers. It would force a floor vote on the legislation.

Today Rep. Tom Price, Georgia Republican and chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) is circulating a request that members support the petition. To date 74 representatives — all Republicans — have affixed their names to the document which, if a majority sign, would force House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring King’s bill, H.R. 4972 “To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” to the floor for an up-or-down vote. If a majority sign the petition it is likely that King’s bill will pass, as those who sign will vote for his repeal.

King is urging the 34 Democrats who voted against the health-care legislation to sign onto the petition. He was enthusiastic about the support his motion has received.

“I am optimistic that we will be able to attract the 218 signatures we will need to force a vote on repealing ‘Obamacare.’ The past week has seen significant momentum building for repeal,” King said. “Signatures on the discharge petition have come more quickly than I had expected. This has been partly due to a large number of co-sponsors on the repeal bill, but it also demonstrates the effectiveness of the efforts of the Heritage Action Team and a boost from the Club for Growth. I have asked for a national cooperative effort by all organizations interested in restoring liberty by repealing ‘Obamacare.’”

One can only imagine the economic stimulus such a move would have. Repeal would be a shot in the arm for small businesses that have been reluctant to hire new employees, many have been adding only 1099 workers out of fear of Obamacare. Where's your rep on this issue?

H/T: FreeRepublic.com

Bill Weckesser