The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Setback for Trump in bid to repeal ‘Obamacare’
USA: Key vote to defeat measure cast by Arizona Senator John McCain
Senators in the US have rejected a measure to repeal parts of former president Barack Obama’s healthcare law after a night of suspense, dealing a serious blow to President Donald Trump’s agenda.
As they were unable to pass even a “skinny repeal”, it is unclear whether Senate Republicans can advance any health bill despite seven years of promises to repeal ‘Obamacare’.
“This is clearly a disappointing moment,” said majority leader Mitch McConnell.
“I regret that our efforts were not enough, this time. It’s time to move on.”
Mr McConnell put the health bill on hold and announced the Senate would move on to other legislation next week.
Mr Trump responded on Twitter: “3 Republicans and 48 Democrats let the American people down. As I said from the beginning, let Obama Care implode, then deal. Watch!”
A key vote to defeat the measure was cast by Arizona Senator John McCain, who returned to the Senate this week after receiving a diagnosis of brain cancer.
In an impassioned speech on the day he returned, he had called for bipartisanship on issues of national concern, and a return to the “regular order” of legislating by committee.
Three Republicans joined with all Democrats to reject the amendment, which would have repealed a mandate that most individuals get health insurance and suspended a requirement that large companies provide coverage to their employees.
It would have also delayed a tax on medical devices and denied funding to Planned Parenthood for a year. The final vote was 49-51. Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joined Mr McCain in voting no.
The amendment was a last resort for Senate Republicans to pass something – anything – to trigger negotiations with the House.
“It’s time to turn the page,” said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York.
“We are not celebrating. We are relieved.”