Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters Monday a new draft of the healthcare bill to replace the ACA could be ready as early this week, with a potential vote next week, according to a USA Today report.
"We're just trying to get a good picture of what the alternatives are, and, hopefully, next week we'll be prepared to take the bill up and vote on it," he said.
David Popp, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also addressed a possible healthcare timeline, telling USA Today, "I don't have any expectations of an exact bill release date, but the leader [Mr. McConnell] said over the past couple weeks that a score [from the Congressional Budget Office] is forthcoming."
Senate GOP leaders hope to pass a healthcare bill before the August recess. However, a number of the chamber's Republican members oppose the initial draft of the healthcare bill. The Senate must have at least 50 "yes" votes for the bill to pass.
One of the key challenges for votes has been drafting a bill that pleases both moderate and conservative Republicans, according to the report. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has proposed an amendment to the bill in an attempt to garner more votes. Under this amendment, insurers could offer plans that fail to meet ACA requirements as long as they also offer other plans that meet those requirements, according to The Washington Post.
However, USA Today notes the amendment — which makes the bill more conservative — could alienate moderates.