Mitch McConnell gave the far-right and Trump what they wanted, an Obamacare repeal only bill, and in less than an hour, enough Republicans came forward to kill it.
Republicans need 50 votes to start the debate on the repeal only bill in the Senate, but they have already lost three GOP Senators.
Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio is a no:
Importantly, Portman argues things have changed since repeal vote in last Congress. That's the key for those who want to sink pure repeal.
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— Jonathan Allen (@jonallendc) July 18, 2017
Video of Portman:
GOP Sen. Rob Portman: “If it is a bill that simply repeals, I believe that will add to more uncertainty†and higher premiums. (via @kasie) pic.twitter.com/BKVuIaTGxW
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) July 18, 2017
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is a no:
Collins will be a no. Sure sounds like Portman is a no. One more… https://t.co/5r3LpMHhJ4
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) July 18, 2017
Shelly Moore Capito of West Virginia is also a no:
My latest statement on the Senate health care bill & planned vote to repeal Obamacare: pic.twitter.com/yAVIxgptCu
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) July 18, 2017
The same moderates who didn’t want the Medicaid expansion killed are also opposed to a bill that is even worse than the repeal and replace legislation. It is obvious that McConnell is going through the motions to appease Trump and the far-right of his caucus.
To the surprise of no one, the idea of putting forward an even worse bill to woo moderates didn’t work. It will be a miracle if this legislation gets enough votes to start the debate, but that doesn’t mean that people should stop fighting. It means that now is the time to fight twice is hard and kill this effort once and for all.
Democrats are one more push away from killing the effort to repeal Obamacare.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
