Senate Health Care Vote Delayed as John McCain Recovers from Surgery
The Congressional Budget Office will not release a score on Monday for the Senate’s revised health care bill, pushing their consideration back while Senator John McCain recuperates in his home state of Arizona from surgery to remove a blood clot above his left eye. Senator Mitch McConnell—whom President Trump has put on notice, along with other Republicans in Congress, in the contentious and protracted struggle to repeal and replace Obamacare—relayed word on Saturday of the hold-up.
The New York Times elaborated:
Mr. McConnell had said that he wanted to begin debate on the bill and pass it this week, using special fast-track procedures. But without Mr. McCain, Senate Republicans would not have the votes they need to take up or pass their bill to repeal and replace major provisions of the health care act that was the signature domestic achievement of President Barack Obama.
It was unclear how long the delay will be. “The leader has not announced a date” for the Senate to take up the legislation, said an aide to Mr. McConnell. “Just that we will defer.”
The delay comes in the midst of considerable opposition to the bill and after Senator McConnell had to postpone an anticipated July 4 vote after failing to garner enough support from GOP senators. Only two of their votes can be lost if the bill is to pass, while at least eight have expressed their deep reservations, according to Reuters:
“There are about eight to 10 Republican senators who have serious concerns about this bill,” Collins told CNN’s “State of the Union” program, faulting the bill for its major cuts to the Medicaid government health insurance program for the poor, which she said would harm rural hospitals and nursing homes.
“I don’t know whether it will pass, but I do know this, we should not be making fundamental changes in a vital safety net program that’s been on the books for 50 years – the Medicaid program – without having a single hearing to evaluate what the consequences are going to be,” she added.
In an attempt to win over more Republicans, a revised measure was released last week but was immediately opposed by Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Sen. McCain has not revealed how he plans to vote on the bill, but has expressed concerns about it in its current form, particularly in regard to how it was composed: by Sen. McConnell, behind closed doors.
“Mr. McCain’s absence will give the forces of opposition — which include scores of health care provider organizations and patient advocacy groups — more time to mobilize,” The New York Times noted hopefully.
Related Entries
- July 16, 2017 Trump Administration Suddenly Pulls Plug on Teen Pregnancy Programs
- July 15, 2017 To Bea or Not to Bea
Source: http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/vote_delayed_as_john_mccain_recovers_from_surgery_20170716/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).