Having just been hailed a hero by President Trump for returning to Washington and casting a crucial vote on debating an Obamacare repeal bill, John McCain played the role of villain, delivering the deciding vote that killed the ‘skinny’ repeal measure.
Just days ago, the Arizona senator had delivered a glimmer of hope for the American people suffering under Obamacare, returning from an emotional brain cancer diagnosis to cast a critical vote on health care legislation.
So great that John McCain is coming back to vote. Brave – American hero! Thank you John.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017
In the wee hours of the night however, three Republicans killed the best chance yet to finally repeal Obamacare – McCain was joined by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
Collins and Murkowski have long been known dissenters in the Republican efforts to repeal the ACA, making McCain the clear and deciding factor in this latest Senate failure.
It was, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “clearly a disappointing moment.”
Here's the moment the Skinny Repeal failed. pic.twitter.com/y6kiT2HzC5
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 28, 2017
Via Bloomberg:
A months-long effort by Senate Republicans to pass health legislation collapsed early Friday after GOP Senator John McCain joined two of his colleagues to block a stripped-down Obamacare repeal bill.
“I regret that our efforts were simply not enough, this time,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor after the vote. “This is clearly a disappointing moment.”
…
The decision by McCain to vote no came after weeks of brinkmanship and after his dramatic return from cancer treatment to cast the 50th vote to start debate on the bill earlier this week. The GOP’s ‘skinny’ repeal bill was defeated 49-51, falling just short of the 50 votes needed to advance it. Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski also voted against it.
The President took to social media to express his disappointment …
3 Republicans and 48 Democrats let the American people down. As I said from the beginning, let ObamaCare implode, then deal. Watch!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 28, 2017
As did others …
The 3 Republicans abandoned their constituents and the American People. We will remember at the polls.
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) July 28, 2017
Schumer LOVES McCain for returning to stab GOP voters in the back#SkinnyRepeal Ted Cruz 3 Republicans Collins & Murkowski Senate in 49-51 pic.twitter.com/YIYNi5lO6D
— Jack Bailey 🇺🇸 (@JackBaileyUSA) July 28, 2017
Worse, McConnell seemed to give a signal that this may have been the last chance for any repeal effort, something that has been the staple of Republican campaigns for over 7 years.
“It’s time to move on,” he said, pulling the bill from the floor.
When your party can’t even figure out a way to deliver a promise you’ve made to the American people for so many years, it’s time to fold up shop.
The Republican party, the establishment GOP, will pay dearly for this betrayal at the polls.
Send a message to the three Republicans who killed Obamacare repeal in the comments section below!