On CNN’s State Of The Union, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said it was hard for her to see how she could vote for Graham-Cassidy.
Video:
Sen. Collins said, “It’s very difficult for me to envision a scenario where I would end up voting for this bill…I have a number of serious reservations about it. I’m concerned about the impact on the Medicaid program, which has been on the books for more than fifty years and provides healthcare to our most vulnerable citizens including disabled children and low-income seniors. I’m concerned about the impact on cost and coverage. We already have a problem under the Affordable Care Act with the cost of premiums and deductibles, and finally, I’m very concerned about the erosion of protections for people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and what it would mean to them.”
Collins wants to see a complete CBO analysis, but the CBO has said that they will need weeks to complete a full analysis, so it looks like she will be a no vote. Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and John McCain (R-AZ) are already no votes, so one more no and the bill will be dead. Of the three, Paul is the one who could flip his vote to yes, so those who are trying to save Obamacare aren’t out of the woods yet.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska could seal the fate of Graham-Cassidy if she votes no.
As the third Republican attempt to repeal Obamacare plays out, it is looking exactly like the second failed repeal vote. The same three Senators plus Rand Paul may end up killing this bill.
If that happens, it will be proof that it beyond past time for Republicans to abandon their partisan efforts to jam through Obamacare repeal and get to work on a bipartisan bill.
To make sure that Republicans vote no, make your voice heard by signing this petition.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
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