Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced Tuesday the Graham-Cassidy bill he coauthored would not be brought to a vote due to a lack of support, but President Donald Trump insists the Senate could pass the measure if budget reconciliation rules were not set to expire Sept. 30.
Budget reconciliation rules would allow Republicans to pass healthcare legislation with only 50 votes, with Vice President Mike Pence acting as a tiebreaker.
"With one Yes vote in hospital & very positive signs from Alaska and two others (McCain is out), we have the HCare Vote, but not for Friday!" Mr. Trump tweeted Wednesday, referring to various senators' leanings on the bill. "We will have the votes for Healthcare but not for the reconciliation deadline of Friday, after which we need 60. Get rid of Filibuster Rule!"
It is unclear which senator Mr. Trump is referring to in the hospital, though Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., is receiving treatment for a urological issue in his home state, according to USA Today. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, announced her opposition to the Graham-Cassidy bill Tuesday, joining Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., in their opposition. Without the support of those three, Republicans were left with only 49 votes for the proposal.
Ms. Collins opposed the bill because of its cuts to Medicaid funding and essential health benefits, while Mr. McCain disagreed with its rushed and partisan drafting process. Mr. Paul believed the bill did not do enough to repeal the ACA.
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