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Republican quartet will only vote for skinny repeal if assured it won't become law – live Republican quartet will only vote for skinny repeal if assured it won't become law – live
(35 minutes later)
2.38am BST
02:38
And now, Lindsey Graham is officially satisfied with voting for a bill that he has described as a fraud. It seems the vote-a-rama is on.
.@LindseyGrahamSC had phone call with Paul Ryan. He's satisfied. He's voting for the skinny budget. Let the vote-a-rama begin?
2.34am BST
02:34
It looks Paul Ryan has pledged to wavering senators that there will be no vote on skinny repeal in the House.
Big news! In the office they had a conference call with Paul Ryan who promised not to pass skinny repeal. They seem to be all yes votes now https://t.co/vXpIwHCpFM
2.25am BST
02:25
It’s a long night so senators are finding hobbies to engage in. Orrin Hatch, who sidelines as a composer and musician, is writing songs tonight.
Wondering how Sen. Hatch will pass the time until the vote-a-Rama?"I'll be writing music...Vote-a-Rama, Vote-a-Rama, we got rid of Obama"
2.24am BST
02:24
Some skeptical Republicans have made up their minds but are not showing their cards, at least to reporters.
Capito says she has made a decision on skinny repeal but won't say what it is until after the vote
1.59am BST1.59am BST
01:5901:59
McCain Says Ryan's Statement Is Not SufficientMcCain Says Ryan's Statement Is Not Sufficient
Entering the Senate, John McCain told reporters that Ryan’s statement was “not sufficient” for the Arizonan to vote for skinny repeal.Entering the Senate, John McCain told reporters that Ryan’s statement was “not sufficient” for the Arizonan to vote for skinny repeal.
With Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski opposed, the 52 member Republican conference cannot afford a single defection on the bill.With Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski opposed, the 52 member Republican conference cannot afford a single defection on the bill.
Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin also approached Ryan’s statement skeptically.Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin also approached Ryan’s statement skeptically.
Ron Johnson says he appreciates Ryan's statement on skinny but adds: "The Speaker only has so much power in what he can actually assure."Ron Johnson says he appreciates Ryan's statement on skinny but adds: "The Speaker only has so much power in what he can actually assure."
However, one skeptical Senate Republican has been comforted by Ryan’s statement. David Perdue of Georgia told reporters “I am taking a chance on this skinny bill. I would not want the skinny bill to become law. . . I think the reassurance from Paul Ryan tonight is good enough for me.”However, one skeptical Senate Republican has been comforted by Ryan’s statement. David Perdue of Georgia told reporters “I am taking a chance on this skinny bill. I would not want the skinny bill to become law. . . I think the reassurance from Paul Ryan tonight is good enough for me.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.00am BSTat 2.00am BST
1.40am BST1.40am BST
01:4001:40
The Senate now voting yet again. This round of votes includes a Democratic attempt to shelve the bill. It is likely to fail. However, it marks the start of what will be a late night on Capitol Hill.The Senate now voting yet again. This round of votes includes a Democratic attempt to shelve the bill. It is likely to fail. However, it marks the start of what will be a late night on Capitol Hill.
1.10am BST1.10am BST
01:1001:10
If you want to catch up with the Guardian’s latest writeup of what’s happening on Capitol Hill, check it out right here.If you want to catch up with the Guardian’s latest writeup of what’s happening on Capitol Hill, check it out right here.
1.09am BST1.09am BST
01:0901:09
Democrats are now on the Senate floor warning that whatever is passed tonight will become law and citing Republican criticism of it.Democrats are now on the Senate floor warning that whatever is passed tonight will become law and citing Republican criticism of it.
As Chris Murphy from Connecticut said “This isn’t going to conference, this is becoming law.”As Chris Murphy from Connecticut said “This isn’t going to conference, this is becoming law.”
12.37am BST12.37am BST
00:3700:37
It’s dinner time on Capitol Hill as there is still an hour left to go before the vote-a-rama can begin.It’s dinner time on Capitol Hill as there is still an hour left to go before the vote-a-rama can begin.
Each party has its own separate dinnerEach party has its own separate dinner
Btw, Senate dinners tonight:Tex-Mex for RsChinese for DemsBtw, Senate dinners tonight:Tex-Mex for RsChinese for Dems
The scene of Chipotle wafting through the Senate corridors. Big spread brought in for all-night session on health careThe scene of Chipotle wafting through the Senate corridors. Big spread brought in for all-night session on health care
Reporters are still relying on the Senate carryout inside the Capitol. One of the options there is Senate Bean Soup, which has been served every day for over a century. This picture is courtesy of the Guardian’s Lois BeckettReporters are still relying on the Senate carryout inside the Capitol. One of the options there is Senate Bean Soup, which has been served every day for over a century. This picture is courtesy of the Guardian’s Lois Beckett
Just another night of appetizing options in the senate pic.twitter.com/ugcxC1nhulJust another night of appetizing options in the senate pic.twitter.com/ugcxC1nhul
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.41am BSTat 12.41am BST
12.29am BST12.29am BST
00:2900:29
Paul Ryan: 'The only path is for the Senate to pass the legislation'Paul Ryan: 'The only path is for the Senate to pass the legislation'
Speaker Paul Ryan just issued a somewhat vague statement on the House’s willingness to go to conference on whatever the Senate passes.Speaker Paul Ryan just issued a somewhat vague statement on the House’s willingness to go to conference on whatever the Senate passes.
“It is now obvious that the only path ahead is for the Senate to pass the narrow legislation that it is currently considering. This package includes important reforms like eliminating the job-killing employer mandate and the requirement that forces people to purchase coverage they don’t want. Still it is not enough to solve the many failures of Obamacare. Senators have made clear that this is an effort to keep the process alive, not to make law. If moving forward requires a conference committee, that is something the House is willing to do. The reality, however, is that repealing and replacing Obamacare still ultimately requires the Senate to produce 51 votes for an actual plan. The House remains committed to finding a solution and working with our Senate colleagues, but the burden remains on the Senate to demonstrate that it is capable of passing something that keeps our promise, as the House has already done. Until the Senate can do that, we will never be able to develop a conference report that becomes law. We expect the Senate to act first on whatever the conference committee produces. Obamacare is collapsing and hurting American families. We have to keep working at this until we get the job done.”“It is now obvious that the only path ahead is for the Senate to pass the narrow legislation that it is currently considering. This package includes important reforms like eliminating the job-killing employer mandate and the requirement that forces people to purchase coverage they don’t want. Still it is not enough to solve the many failures of Obamacare. Senators have made clear that this is an effort to keep the process alive, not to make law. If moving forward requires a conference committee, that is something the House is willing to do. The reality, however, is that repealing and replacing Obamacare still ultimately requires the Senate to produce 51 votes for an actual plan. The House remains committed to finding a solution and working with our Senate colleagues, but the burden remains on the Senate to demonstrate that it is capable of passing something that keeps our promise, as the House has already done. Until the Senate can do that, we will never be able to develop a conference report that becomes law. We expect the Senate to act first on whatever the conference committee produces. Obamacare is collapsing and hurting American families. We have to keep working at this until we get the job done.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.58am BSTat 12.58am BST
12.13am BST12.13am BST
00:1300:13
The drama is building over what will happen in the House. The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino can confirm that House Republicans who hold a meeting at 9AM tomorrow morning, according to a senior GOP aide.The drama is building over what will happen in the House. The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino can confirm that House Republicans who hold a meeting at 9AM tomorrow morning, according to a senior GOP aide.
Meanwhile, we expect a statement from Speaker Paul Ryan’s office tonight. It’s unclear what he will say but earlier we were told the Speaker would consult with House Republicans before making any decisions on healthcare.Meanwhile, we expect a statement from Speaker Paul Ryan’s office tonight. It’s unclear what he will say but earlier we were told the Speaker would consult with House Republicans before making any decisions on healthcare.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.18am BSTat 12.18am BST
12.02am BST12.02am BST
00:0200:02
In case you were hoping it would be an early nightIn case you were hoping it would be an early night
Cornyn offers guidance on the timing of the vote-a-rama & healthcare vote: "Late"Cornyn offers guidance on the timing of the vote-a-rama & healthcare vote: "Late"
11.21pm BST
23:21
Lauren Gambino
In contrast to other House Republicans, Mark Meadows, the chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, told reporters that “skinny repeal” would not pass the lower chamber.
“If it comes over with just minimal elements of a replacement, there is not enough votes to send it to the president,” said the North Carolina Republican.
He also said he didn’t like calling it a “skinny repeal”.
Updated
at 12.18am BST
11.17pm BST
23:17
Lauren Gambino
Per a senior House leadership aide, Paul Ryan will “consult before making any decisions” on putting “skinny repeal” to a vote or going to a conference committee
Updated
at 12.42am BST
10.48pm BST
22:48
Senators will only vote for bill if assured it won't become law
Right now, the situation on Capitol Hill is that the “skinny repeal” will not pass if it appears there is any chance for it to become law. If assured that it will be junked in a conference committee after passage, the bill may receive support from a majority of senators.
If you are confused, you should be. But this is American politics in 2017.
Updated
at 10.53pm BST
10.28pm BST
22:28
Graham calls skinny repeal 'a fraud'
In their press conference, the three senators (now joined by Bill Cassidy of Louisiana) are making clear that they will not vote for “skinny repeal” unless they are assured that it will not become law.
Graham was particularly scathing about clean repeal, calling it “a fraud” as well as “terrible policy and horrible policy.”
If the skinny bill were to become law, Graham said it “politically would be the dumbest thing in history”.
Senator Ron Johnson, of Wisconsin, offered an apology to voters, conceding that the Republicans have failed to fulfill seven years of promises to repeal the healthcare law.
“I’m sorry that the skinny bill in the Senate doesn’t even come close to our promise of repealing Obamacare,” Johnson said.
Updated
at 12.26am BST
10.10pm BST
22:10
Lauren Gambino
While senators are freaking out about the potential of the House voting on “skinny repeal,” some members of Congress are more open to it.
Chris Collins, a moderate Trump ally from upstate New York, compared the choice on skinny repeal to the 2016 election. “This becomes not unlike Trump and Clinton, there was not a third candidate. There wasn’t going to be another choice. It was a binary choice. People voted. This would be a similar type of situation.”
10.04pm BST
22:04
Graham, McCain and Ron Johnson to hold a press conference soon
Lindsey Graham, John McCain and Ron Johnson just announced a press conference to be held in 15 minutes on “skinny repeal.”
All three have been deeply skeptical of the bill so far and Graham has insisted that he would not back skinny repeal without the guarantee of a conference committee. It’s unlikely that they will unilaterally torpedo the bill.
Updated
at 10.25pm BST
9.53pm BST
21:53
In case you’re in need of Twitter jokes from octogenarian Utahns in the Senate, Orrin Hatch is making them and looking to vote-a-rama that supposedly occurred back when Congress met in Annapolis, Maryland (and only had one chamber since the United States was still governed by the Articles of Confederation).
The vote-a-rama we had on the Treaty of Paris was quite the hootenanny. https://t.co/pU4bMXxf2s
Updated
at 10.00pm BST
9.47pm BST
21:47
Health care isn’t the only thing that the Senate is voting on today. The chamber is expected to vote around 5pm on a final version of new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill was approved by the House earlier this week and has been opposed by the White House because it limits Trump’s authority to lift sanctions against Russia without congressional approval. The President has yet to make clear whether he will sign it. An earlier version of the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 98-2.
Updated
at 10.01pm BST
9.39pm BST
21:39
The chair of the influential Republican Study Committee has trashed “skinny repeal” on Twitter.
The "skinny repeal" deal is ugly to the bone.
This is, counterintuitively, actually a good sign for its passage as many Republican senators are hesitant to vote for it because they are afraid that the House might pass it.
9.34pm BST
21:34
Lindsey Graham trashes skinny repeal bill
Lauren Gambino
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina trashed the “skinny repeal” bill to reporters earlier today. “The worst possible outcome is to pass something that most of us believe is a placeholder and it becomes the final product,” said Graham.
He added “trying to fix it later is a nonstarter because this placeholder concept - the skinny bill-would destroy insurance markets and not even remotely replace Obamacare.”
Updated
at 9.53pm BST