The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How Georgia’s senators have voted so far,
WASHINGTON — If you’re having trouble keeping track of the various health care proposals floating around the Senate, you’re not alone.
As GOP leaders try to cobble together 50 votes for an Obamacare replacement plan — any plan, at this point — they are putting many different proposals up for a vote. Some are trial balloons — leaders gauging support for particular policies.
Others represent leaders fulfilling promises to individual senators by allowing votes on pet proposals, ideas they know don’t have enough support to pass.
Other votes are expected in the days ahead, to be capped off with a flurry of votes on dozens of non-binding amendments — a byzantine, Senate-only tradition known as “vote-a-rama” — before consideration of a final proposal at the end of the week.
Here is how Georgia’s two Republican U.S. senators, Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, have voted on the major proposals that have come before the chamber so far:
Repeal and delay — Wednesday
A vote to repeal large swaths of Obamacare and delay implementation for two years as lawmakers presumably settle on a replacement. Rejected 45-55, with seven Republicans and all 48 Democrats against.
■ Isakson — yes
■ Perdue — yes
Senate GOP replacement + Cruz plan + Medicaid money — Tuesday
A late-night vote on the Senate’s revised Obamacare replacement bill, with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’s proposal to allow insurers to sell cheaper, bare-bones health plans and a provision backed by moderate Republicans to set aside an additional $100 million for states to help people losing their Medicaid coverage. Rejected 43-57, with nine Republicans and all Democrats against. Proposal needed 60 votes to pass.
■ Isakson — yes
■ Perdue — yes
Begin debate — Tuesday
An up-or-down vote on whether to kick off debate.4 on a GOP health care rewrite. Passed the chamber 51-50 after Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote. Two Republicans voted against the effort, as did every Democrat.
■ Isakson — yes
■ Perdue — yes