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Skeptical Republicans to vote for 'horrible' healthcare bill – live Skeptical Republicans to vote for 'horrible' healthcare bill – live
(35 minutes later)
4.27am BST
04:27
Republicans are letting Mike Enzi, the chair of the Senate Budget Committee, close out debate. He is not taking questions and not giving time for Democrats to speak. They are not happy about it.
So frustrating. No hearings. We were just given the bill. And now Senator Enzi is refusing to answer questions about it on the floor. #Sham
4.22am BST
04:22
CBO Releases Score Of Skinny Repeal
The CBO has just released its score on the bill which was introduced in the Senate an hour ago by Mitch McConnell.
It will increase the number of uninsured Americans by 16 million and decrease the deficit by $178.8 billion over the next ten years.
4.17am BST
04:17
Lois Beckett
The Guardian’s Lois Beckett is at a protest just outside the Capitol where opponents of Obamacare repeal are gathering.
Very loud chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" echoing weirdly off the Captiol building. pic.twitter.com/rS0MJRnLgV
"My son will die...they will die." https://t.co/S4yA6KEVP5
4.17am BST
04:17
CBO score: 15 milllion would lose insurance under Senate Republican bill
The nonpartisan budget office has estimated that 15 million people would lose insurance coverage under the new healthcare plan compared to current law by 2026. It also found that premiums would increase by roughly 20% relative to current law of the same decade.
Read the reporter here [pdf]: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/115th-congress-2017-2018/costestimate/s.a.667.pdf
4.16am BST
04:16
We’re not just blogging tonight but reporting as well. Check out our latest most up-to-date on the efforts to repeal Obamacare.
4.08am BST
04:08
Democrats are making a series of emotional appeals on the floor of the Senate in hopes of thwarting the bill. One of the most emotional came from Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii who is suffering from cancer herself.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, who has kidney cancer, making a direct appeal to John McCain to "vote your conscience, vote with us" against GOP bill
3.46am BST3.46am BST
03:4603:46
The so-called “skinny repeal” is here. Here’s what it would do:The so-called “skinny repeal” is here. Here’s what it would do:
Repeal the individual mandate, the requirement that all Americans must have health insurance or face a penalty.Repeal the individual mandate, the requirement that all Americans must have health insurance or face a penalty.
Repeal the employer mandate, the requirement that employers of a certain size to provide health insurance for their workers.Repeal the employer mandate, the requirement that employers of a certain size to provide health insurance for their workers.
Delay the ACA’s medical device tax, which imposes a tax on the sale of certain medical devices by the manufacturer.Delay the ACA’s medical device tax, which imposes a tax on the sale of certain medical devices by the manufacturer.
Defund Planned Parenthood for one yearDefund Planned Parenthood for one year
Increase funding for Health Savings AccountsIncrease funding for Health Savings Accounts
Bolster funding for community health centersBolster funding for community health centers
Reminder that there is not a budget analysis for the bill yet but an early estimate anticipated that a rumored version of this bill would leave 16 million people without health insurance compared with current law. It would also raise premiums by 20%.Reminder that there is not a budget analysis for the bill yet but an early estimate anticipated that a rumored version of this bill would leave 16 million people without health insurance compared with current law. It would also raise premiums by 20%.
Republicans say they do not want this bill to become law.Republicans say they do not want this bill to become law.
3.37am BST3.37am BST
03:3703:37
Bernie Sanders, echoing the Larry David impersonation of him on Saturday Night Live, just said the Affordable Care Act was “not great but pretty good.”Bernie Sanders, echoing the Larry David impersonation of him on Saturday Night Live, just said the Affordable Care Act was “not great but pretty good.”
3.34am BST3.34am BST
03:3403:34
Mitch McConnell made the following pitch on his skinny repeal bill in his speech introducing it:Mitch McConnell made the following pitch on his skinny repeal bill in his speech introducing it:
“The legislation I just laid down is called the Health Care Freedom Act, and it restores freedom to Americans that Obamacare took away. It does so in a number of ways.“The legislation I just laid down is called the Health Care Freedom Act, and it restores freedom to Americans that Obamacare took away. It does so in a number of ways.
“First, the Health Care Freedom Act repeals the core pillars of Obamacare. It eliminates the so-called individual mandate that forces many Americans to buy Obamacare insurance they don’t want, can’t afford, or can’t use — and taxes those who don’t. It also repeals the employer mandate that cuts hours, take-home pay, and job opportunities for workers.“First, the Health Care Freedom Act repeals the core pillars of Obamacare. It eliminates the so-called individual mandate that forces many Americans to buy Obamacare insurance they don’t want, can’t afford, or can’t use — and taxes those who don’t. It also repeals the employer mandate that cuts hours, take-home pay, and job opportunities for workers.
“Second, the Health Care Freedom Act provides significant new flexibility to states. The Health Care Freedom Act gives states just the kind of flexibility they need to implement reforms that provide more options for consumers to buy the health insurance they want. These reforms also help make insurance more affordable and flexible, so it’s something Americans actually want to buy.“Second, the Health Care Freedom Act provides significant new flexibility to states. The Health Care Freedom Act gives states just the kind of flexibility they need to implement reforms that provide more options for consumers to buy the health insurance they want. These reforms also help make insurance more affordable and flexible, so it’s something Americans actually want to buy.
“Finally, the Health Care Freedom Act frees Americans from Obamacare in several other ways too. It provides three years of relief from the medical device tax that increases costs, hurts innovation, and has drawn significant criticism from both sides of the aisle. It expands for three years the contribution limits to health-savings accounts so Americans can better manage their health costs and pay down more of their medical expenses, like prescriptions, with pre-tax dollars.”“Finally, the Health Care Freedom Act frees Americans from Obamacare in several other ways too. It provides three years of relief from the medical device tax that increases costs, hurts innovation, and has drawn significant criticism from both sides of the aisle. It expands for three years the contribution limits to health-savings accounts so Americans can better manage their health costs and pay down more of their medical expenses, like prescriptions, with pre-tax dollars.”
2.55am BST2.55am BST
02:5502:55
The skinny repeal is hereThe skinny repeal is here
Mitch McConnell is now on the floor introducing what will be formally called “the Health Care Freedom Act.”Mitch McConnell is now on the floor introducing what will be formally called “the Health Care Freedom Act.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.43am BSTat 3.43am BST
2.44am BST2.44am BST
02:4402:44
However, as my colleague Lauren Gambino reports, McCain is still upset by the process as relayed to her by the Arizona senator’s close friend Lindsey GrahamHowever, as my colleague Lauren Gambino reports, McCain is still upset by the process as relayed to her by the Arizona senator’s close friend Lindsey Graham
Graham says that McCain is upset by the process. "Whatever he does, he's earned the right to do it."Graham says that McCain is upset by the process. "Whatever he does, he's earned the right to do it."
Earlier tonight, McCain called Ryan’s statement “not sufficient.”Earlier tonight, McCain called Ryan’s statement “not sufficient.”
Now, he’s playing coy.Now, he’s playing coy.
Going into elevator, McCain refuses to comment on whether he will vote yes or no, tells reporters he refuses to discuss his conversations.Going into elevator, McCain refuses to comment on whether he will vote yes or no, tells reporters he refuses to discuss his conversations.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.47am BSTat 2.47am BST
2.38am BST2.38am BST
02:3802:38
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.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?.@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 BST2.34am BST
02:3402:34
It looks Paul Ryan has pledged to wavering senators that there will be no vote on skinny repeal in the House.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/vXpIwHCpFMBig 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 BST
01:59
McCain: Ryan's statement not sufficient
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.
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."
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.”
Updated
at 3.44am BST
1.40am BST
01:40
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.
1.10am BST
01:10
If you want to catch up with the Guardian’s latest writeup of what’s happening on Capitol Hill, check it out right here.
1.09am BST
01:09
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.”
12.37am BST
00:37
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 dinner
Btw, 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 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 Beckett
Just another night of appetizing options in the senate pic.twitter.com/ugcxC1nhul
Updated
at 12.41am BST
12.29am BST
00:29
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.
“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.”
Updated
at 12.58am BST
12.13am BST
00:13
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.
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.
Updated
at 12.18am BST
12.02am BST
00:02
In case you were hoping it would be an early night
Cornyn offers guidance on the timing of the vote-a-rama & healthcare vote: "Late"