It's a Big Tuesday in Washington: Will Republicans Finally Repeal Obamacare?
By: Kayla Pasacreta
Senate Republicans are starting today with another push to repeal Obamacare. Last week was full of defeats for the Republican healthcare proposals. Today, Senator John McCain is headed back from the Hill, just a week after his cancer diagnosis, to vote on a healthcare bill that will put the health of many Americans at risk. Also on the line is McCain’s legacy – will he spilt from the Republican Party on the bill that takes healthcare away from over 32 million people, or deal with rebuke from critics questioning how he could vote ‘yes’ on such a bill just after recovering from luxury healthcare himself.
Senator Collins of Maine, photo via Twitter
Nevertheless, McCain’s arrival in Washington provides some hope for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. With an extra Republican leader present, he can now afford to lose two votes, instead of one, and still be able to pass the bill. Senator Collins of Maine has firmly stated she will vote 'no' on the bill.
After having their weekly 12:45 lunch, Republicans will begin proceedings to work out a healthcare bill. The expected slate is the healthcare bill the House previously proposed, and passed. Various amendments and changes to this bill will be discussed. This will certainly pose a challenge as many Republican senators have openly expressed their qualms about the bill. According to CNN, Republicans may be inclined to vote ‘yes’ on the bill, “so that there can be an open debate.” Republicans who vote for the bill will insist they have to first pass the bill in order to make amendments to it.
There is certainly a chance Republicans will finally work out a plan to do what they’ve been discussing for 7 years: to repeal Obamacare. This is extremely important for President Donald Trump, who repeatedly promised to repeal Obamacare on the campaign trail. An open critic of anyone who doesn’t support his agenda, he has already publicly insulted Republicans who have not gotten fully onboard with making motions to repeal Obamacare.
Everyone will have their eyes on Washington today.
