Whoa…
Those two “no” votes on the Motion To Proceed plus that of GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Rand Paul mean so-called Trumpcare, as written, is effectively dead (note Lee’s use of “this version”).
With a slim 52-seat majority he can only afford to lose three GOP senators. Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Rand Paul (Ky.) are already expected to vote no.
Of course, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could still try to morph his disastrous GOP bill yet again. That said, good luck finding a “compromise” that satisfies both the moderate and conservative sides of this equation.
Here’s Mike Lee’s statement:
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Monday regarding the Better Care Reconciliation Act:
“After conferring with trusted experts regarding the latest version of the Consumer Freedom Amendment, I have decided I cannot support the current version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act,” Sen. Lee said. “In addition to not repealing all of the Obamacare taxes, it doesn’t go far enough in lowering premiums for middle class families; nor does it create enough free space from the most costly Obamacare regulations.”
More jockeying is sure to come, so tune in tomorrow.