Donald Trump’s White House and Republicans in Congress were dealt a serious blow on Monday as two more GOP senators – Mike Lee and Jerry Moran – came out against the latest form of Trumpcare, effectively killing it in its current form.
Tweet via Utah Sen. Mike Lee’s Twitter account:
My colleague @JerryMoran and I will not support the MTP to this version of BCRA #HealthcareBill
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) July 18, 2017
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An extended statement from Mike Lee explaining his opposition:
“After conferring with trusted experts regarding the latest version of the Consumer Freedom Amendment, I have decided I cannot support the current version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act,” Sen. Lee said. “In addition to not repealing all of the Obamacare taxes, it doesn’t go far enough in lowering premiums for middle class families; nor does it create enough free space from the most costly Obamacare regulations.”
Kansas Sen. Moran’s extended statement via Twitter:
My full statement opposing this version of BCRA: pic.twitter.com/CUq4Kibe0I
— Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) July 18, 2017
Two Republican senators – Rand Paul and Susan Collins – had already said they would oppose the current form of legislation, meaning the GOP couldn’t afford to lose any more of its members given the fact that Democrats are united in their opposition to the legislation.
The “no” votes from Sen. Lee and Moran bring the vote count down for Republicans to 48 on this version of Trumpcare, meaning it’s doomed.
Despite the victory this represents for millions of Americans who were worried about losing their health insurance, it’s likely that Republicans will return to the drawing board and work, yet again, to pass another form of legislation that will repeal Obamacare and strip millions of insurance and essential health benefits.
In other words, opponents of efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act should remain active and vocal to ensure this GOP crusade never again gains traction.
For now, though, this is a huge loss for the president and a monumental victory for the vast majority of Americans who believe health care shouldn’t be a privilege for the healthy and the wealthy, but a right for all.
Sean Colarossi currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was an organizing fellow for both of President Obama’s presidential campaigns. He also worked with Planned Parenthood as an Affordable Care Act Outreach Organizer in 2014, helping northeast Ohio residents obtain health insurance coverage.
