Repeal’s ill fortune

Senate takes dim view of President’s plan to ditch Obamacare

DEALING a serious blow to President Donald Trump’s agenda, the Senate yesterday rejected a measure to repeal parts of former President Barack Obama’s health care law after a night of high suspense in the US Capitol.

Unable to pass even a socalled “skinny repeal,” it is unclear if Senate Republicans can advance any health Bill despite seven years of promises to re- peal “Obamacare.” A key vote to defeat the measure was cast by Republican Senator John McCain, who returned to the Senate this week after receiving a diagnosis of brain cancer.

In an impassioned speech the day he returned, Mr McCain had called for bipartisanship on major 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Three Republicans joined with all Democrats to reject the amendment, which would have repealed a mandate that most individuals get health insurance and suspended a requirement that large companies provide coverage to their employees.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.

“This is clearly a disappointing moment,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He put the health care Bill on hold.

Buoyed by a signal from House Speaker Paul Ryan, Mr McConnell had introduced a pared-down health care Bill that he hoped would keep alive Republican ambitions to repeal Obamacare. “It’s time to turn the page,” said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of New York. “We are not celebrating. We are relieved.” A BRITISH judge ordered yesterday that critically ill baby Charlie Gard should be moved from a hospital to a hospice, where he will “inevitably” die within a short time.

As the medical and legal story that has sparked compassion and controversy around the world entered its final stage, the 11-month-old baby’s dismayed mother accused courts and a London hospital of denying Charlie’s parents “our final wish” – to let their son die at home.

Charlie has brain damage and is unable to breathe or move his limbs unaided.