With Democratic help, GOP House ready to repeal medical tax, other parts of Obama health law

The House is ready to vote to repeal two pieces of President Barack Obama's health care law, despite veto threats.

One is a tax on medical devices. The other is a board that is supposed to suggest Medicare savings — but so far has no members and has never issued a recommendation.

Both efforts are expected to win some Democratic support, even though the White House says each would weaken the 2010 health care overhaul.

Thursday's votes were slated a day after top House and Senate Republicans told rank-and-file GOP lawmakers that they want to temporarily extend federal subsidies for many lower-earning Americans should the Supreme Court annul them.

They also want to erase many of the health care law's rules, including requirements that most people buy coverage.