McCain, expected to save health bill, became the executioner

In the early morning hours, the “skinny” repeal bill aimed at dismantling the Affordable Care Act met its demise in the Senate, according to USA Today.

In a statement explaining why he voted “no” on Friday morning, Mr McCain said he did not believe in forcing through changes to the healthcare law without at least some support from Democrats.

Following rejection of two broader repeal plans earlier in the week, Friday’s vote cast doubt on whether divided Senate Republicans can advance any health bill despite seven years of promises to repeal “Obamacare”.

Killing the Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement dubbed Obamacare, has been a passion for Republicans since its 2010 enactment over their unified opposition, and was a key campaign promise by Trump past year.

Schumer said that if the “skinny repeal” passes, the Senate should then be prepared for “numerous” Democratic amendments, which could potentially force Republicans into politically tough votes. The Speaker’s statement that the House would be “willing” to go to conference does not ease my concern that this shell of a bill could be taken up and passed at any time.

Asked whether McCain’s vote on Tuesday in favor of debate on the bill weakened his argument, Christie balked. “And I hope one part of turning page is that we go back to regular order, work in the committees together to improve Obamacare”. Hundreds of thousands of Americans rallied in defense of the law at town hall meetings where Republican congressmembers had trouble answering questions from angry constituents fearful of losing access to basic health care.

But McCain’s persona is linked to his expressions of dignity in defeat, willingness to break with his party and eagerness to be seen as above the raw politics of the moment. After the result was announced, the Senate quickly moved on to routine business. And without their “no” votes, McCain’s would not have mattered. They might as well not just learn to live with it but work with Democrats to make it better.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) speaks to reporters at the Capitol hours before casting the decisive no vote against the Republican health- care plan.

But while some senators from both parties appear ready to write a healthcare bill on a bipartisan basis, House Speaker Paul Ryan has said that Republicans “should not give up” after promising for seven years to repeal and replace Obamacare.

“I sadly feel a great many Americans will feel betrayed”, Cruz told reporters, “that they were lied to, and that sentiment will not be unjustified”. Trump’s plan to “let Obamacare implode” is a fantasy, and if he persists in sabotaging it, the blame will fall not to Barack Obama or even McConnell – but to him.

The measure also would eliminate funding for preventive health care provided under the 2010 law and block Medicaid recipients from being reimbursed for Planned Parenthood services.

But the week’s setbacks highlighted how, despite years of trying, GOP leaders haven’t resolved internal battles between conservatives seeking to erase Obama’s law and moderates leery of tossing millions of voters off of coverage. McConnell designed it as a legislative vehicle the Senate could approve and begin talks with the House on a compromise, final bill.

However, John McCain’s shocking decision to undermine the president and much of his own party by voting against the bill has received the brunt of the attention.

Something seemed afoot before the vote. Any casual observer can see the marks of torture in McCain’s gait and the loss of mobility in his arms. Vice President Mike Pence worked to persuade Sen.

Sen. Susan Collins of ME, another of the three Republicans to vote against the GOP plan (Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski was the other), said she is pleased that Sen.

Over the last week, Murkowski and Collins have been called “witches” and “bitches” online.

“I urge my colleagues to trust each other, stop political games& put health needs of American ppl 1st”. After all, Trump’s comments about the former prisoner of war were among the earliest to land the then-candidate in controversy.