Although medical-industry trade groups and many House and Senate members are lined up on one side, determined to repeal the medical device tax, the other side might have the final ace: A veto threat by President Obama.

Not so fast, say opponents who want to eliminate the 2.3-percent excise tax on medical devices, which the Affordable Care Act has mandated. Opponents believe they have enough votes from Democrats to override any veto. Already in the House of Representatives, a June vote fell just one shy of the 281 needed to brush back any Obama veto. It’s worth noting that 12 Republicans were absent on the day of that vote. Most, if not all, would certainly support killing the device tax. The House, at least on an initial vote, appears to be a lock for those who want the tax gone.

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