In a shocking twist, the Senate Republican skinny Obamacare repeal bill failed after Sen. John McCain cast the decisive no vote.
The Republican no votes were Sens. Collins (ME), Murkowski (AK), and McCain (AZ). All Senate Democrats voted no.
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) delivered beautiful remarks about compassion, as she is battling kidney cancer:
To my GOP colleagues, after I was diagnosed with cancer, you showed me your care. You showed me your compassion. So where is that tonight? pic.twitter.com/BfWMIDd0Vo
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— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) July 28, 2017
As Democrats flooded the floor the floor to speak, Senate Republicans refused to take questions from Democrats during the debate:
THEY RELEASED THE BILL 90 MINUTES AGO.
THEY ARE REFUSING TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT IT.
THEY'RE PLANNING TO VOTE ON IT TONIGHT https://t.co/iD3ovw5Wxd
— igorvolsky (@igorvolsky) July 28, 2017
Instead of debating the merits of their bill, Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-WY) read from a book and filled up the debate time until it expired.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) described the surreal scene on the Senate floor:
Enzi continues to be the only GOP Senator on the floor and he isn't talking about anything remotely connected to the bill. This is surreal.
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) July 28, 2017
There were hints on the floor before the vote that McCain may have been a no:
After McCain came on floor, he spoke to Cornyn, who appeared upset, turned around and gave a thumbs down to Daines.
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) July 28, 2017
Smiling Schumer, thumbs down Cornyn = !!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) July 28, 2017
John McCain’s Senate legacy was going to be shaped by this vote. Sen. McCain spoke recently about a need to return to regular order. His vote tonight means that the only way Republicans will get a health care bill passed is if they work with Democrats through the normal legislative process.
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
