washington GOP struggles over health care efforts

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

The Senate delayed a highly anticipated vote this week to repeal and replace the nation’s health care law after Sen. John McCain’s announced absence due to surgery, an enormous setback as time dwindles for Republicans to pass the signature legislation after years of promises.

The decision by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell late Saturday came not long after McCain’s office disclosed that he had undergone surgery to remove a blood clot from above his left eye. He’s expected to be out for the week, recovering in Arizona.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Congressional Budget Office also indicated Sunday it no longer expected to release its analysis today on the estimated cost and scope of insurance coverage under the latest GOP bill, which has the support of President Donald Trump.

The No. 2 Senate GOP leader, John Cornyn of Texas, said he still expected the Senate to move quickly, holding a vote as soon as McCain returns. But amid growing public unease over the bill, some Republicans suggested the delay will make McConnell’s task of winning enough support even harder.

In a Senate divided 52-48 between Republicans and Democrats, McConnell can lose no more than two GOP votes and still prevail.

“There are about eight to 10 Republican senators who have serious concerns about this bill,” said moderate Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.