WASHINGTON — Once again, the Senate is focused on whether Republicans have enough votes to pass a repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.
Sunday brought more signs that the chances for the Republican health care bill from Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana were dim when Sen. Susan Collins of Maine told CNN’s Jake Tapper that it would be “very difficult for me to envision a scenario” where she would vote for the bill.
The latest GOP push to repeal and replace Obamacare had already hit what might be an insurmountable roadblock when Sen. John McCain on Friday again raised his hand and said no.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, considered to be a “yes” vote, said Sunday that the bill, as written, did not currently have his support.
However, Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who has been a vocal and firm “no” vote, said Sunday that he might be able to support the measure, if the plan abandons the block grant funding program for states, the main tenet of the Graham-Cassidy bill.
Supporters vowed to keep fighting to prevent another GOP senator from joining McCain and, presumably, Paul in opposing the bill because three Republican votes against it would kill it.
All eyes now rest on Collins, who said she wanted to hear from the Congressional Budget Office before rendering her final decision — which is expected to release a partial score on Monday — and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
On Sunday evening, the GOP released its latest version of the health care bill, which aimed to convince members who are still undecided to support the bill. The changes aim to increase funding for states like Alaska, but there’s no proof that the bill will bring the undecided senators onboard now.
In one new provision particularly beneficial to Alaska, the state would receive a 25% boost in federal matching funds for Medicaid due to its defined high-level of poverty.
But despite the new version, there are still plenty of obstacles ahead.
In the meantime, the Senate finance committee has a hearing to examine the bill Monday afternoon. Progressive advocates plan to protest the hearing to show their support for preserving Obamacare.
GOP leaders must decide soon whether to press forward with a vote on the measure — something that could be embarrassing if it is defeated. Still, Republicans might want to do it to put all senators on the record.
Republicans face a deadline Saturday when a special budget rule expires that would allow Republicans to pass a repeal on a party-line vote.
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