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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)
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.
11.17pm BST
23:17
Lauren Gambino
Per a senior House leadership aide, Paul Ryan “consult his conference before making any decisions” on putting “skinny repeal” to a vote or going to a conference committee
Updated
at 11.18pm BST
10.48pm BST
10.48pm BST
22:48
22:48
Senators will only vote for bill if assured it won't become law
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.
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.
If you are confused, you should be. But this is American politics in 2017.
Updated
Updated
at 10.53pm BST
at 10.53pm BST
10.28pm BST
10.28pm BST
22:28
22:28
Graham calls skinny repeal 'a fraud'
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.
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.”
Graham was particularly scathing about clean repeal, calling it “a fraud” as well as “terrible policy and horrible policy.”
Updated
Updated
at 10.46pm BST
at 10.46pm BST
10.10pm BST
10.10pm BST
22:10
22:10
Lauren Gambino
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.
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.”
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
10.04pm BST
22:04
22:04
Graham, McCain and Ron Johnson to hold a press conference soon
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.”
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.
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
Updated
at 10.25pm BST
at 10.25pm BST
9.53pm BST
9.53pm BST
21:53
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).
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
The vote-a-rama we had on the Treaty of Paris was quite the hootenanny. https://t.co/pU4bMXxf2s
Updated
Updated
at 10.00pm BST
at 10.00pm BST
9.47pm BST
9.47pm BST
21:47
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.
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
Updated
at 10.01pm BST
at 10.01pm BST
9.39pm BST
9.39pm BST
21:39
21:39
The chair of the influential Republican Study Committee has trashed “skinny repeal” on Twitter.
The chair of the influential Republican Study Committee has trashed “skinny repeal” on Twitter.
The "skinny repeal" deal is ugly to the bone.
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.
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
9.34pm BST
21:34
21:34
Lindsey Graham trashes skinny repeal bill
Lindsey Graham trashes skinny repeal bill
Lauren Gambino
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.
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.”
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
Updated
at 9.53pm BST
at 9.53pm BST
9.21pm BST
21:21
Cornyn insists there will be a conference on healthcare
Lauren Gambino
John Cornyn, the No 2 Republican in the Senate, said his conference is not about to vote on a bill that they hope will never become law even though his colleagues have said exactly that.
“That’s not what’s happening,” dismissing the characterization of what Republican senators are trying to do in their last-ditch attempt to reshape the Affordable Care Act.
“I guess we have to go back to Schoolhouse Rock – both the Senate and the House pass a bill and then they go to conference to reconcile the differences.”
The Texas Republican, speaking to reporters as he walked briskly through the Capitol’s basement, said his party is warming to the idea of the “skinny repeal”, which he preferred to call the “freedom to choose” measure.
Cornyn said he was not troubled by the prospect of the House simply passing the measure passed by the Senate and sending it to the president, forgoing a conference committee. But asked repeatedly if he had a formal assurance from House Speaker Paul Ryan that the measure would go to conference, Cornyn said he had not received one.
“My understanding is that the Speaker has said that they’re preparing for a conference,” he said.
Updated
at 9.24pm BST
9.10pm BST
21:10
There’s already one clear sign that tonight is going to be a long night. Cots are already being wheeled out in the Capitol building for Senators to take naps on this evening.
8.54pm BST
20:54
Republicans are preparing to face a political reckoning regardless of what happens tonight.
Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin told Al Weaver of the Washington Examiner earlier today that the GOP promise to repeal and replace “was an overpromise.”
Johnson, who was re-elected to his second term in 2016, was first elected in the Tea Party wave of 2010 promising to get rid of Obamacare. In a 55-45 vote yesterday, the Senate rejected a so-called “clean repeal” of Obamacare with seven Republicans joining all 48 members of the Democratic caucus.
8.34pm BST
20:34
House Republicans told to be 'flexible' on travel plans
Things are getting interesting on Capitol Hill as House Republicans have been told to “be flexible” on their travel plans. The House had been scheduled to begin their August recess tomorrow but may now stick around to vote on a bill approved by the Senate. If they approve the Senate bill, it would mean that there would be no conference committee and whatever work product is voted on tonight or tomorrow would become law. This is a nightmare scenario for a number of Republicans.
BREAKING--House members advised on possible repeal votes: "All Members should remain flexible in their travel plans over the next few days"
Sen. Graham says the "worst possible outcome" would be to pass a "placeholder" bill and have it become the "final product"
Updated
at 10.30pm BST
7.58pm BST
19:58
On the actual substance of health care form, senators are now facing an unorthodox fear – that the bill they pass may actually become law.
The “skinny repeal” plan has long been touted as simply a vehicle for the House and Senate to go to conference and hash out mutually agreeable legislation on health care reform. However, there has been growing trepidation that whatever the Senate passes may simply be voted on in the House. Senators are now seeking reassurance that the House won’t act on whatever legislation they pass as my colleague Lauren Gambino reports:
Sen. Rounds says they've received assurances from "more than one individual" in the House that members are prepared to go to conference
Updated
at 8.36pm BST
7.55pm BST
19:55
The vote is just about final on single payer. All but four Democrats voted present on the bill. The exceptions are all comparative moderates up for re-election in 2018 in states that Donald Trump won: Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana. Angus King of Maine, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, also voted no on the bill.
This was the first amendment offered solely for political gamesmanship today but by no means will it be the last.
Updated
at 8.47pm BST
7.47pm BST
19:47
The vote on single payer is happening now and senators seem to be having fun with it.
Senators clearly enjoying this single payer vote. "I've gotta think about this!" shouts Murkowski, before voting no
McCaskill, Gillibrand, & Stabenow gang up on Daines. "This is what's called a trick!" McCaskill says, adding she would vote yes if he does
Sanders walked up to Graham and appeared to jokingly try to push him back to change his vote to yes
7.14pm BST
19:14
Steve Daines is now on the floor offering his single payer amendment while bashing the concept of Medicare for all. The Montana senator says “Last November, the American people voted to ‘Make America Great Again’, not to Make America Like England Again.’”
7.07pm BST
19:07
One of the first votes today is scheduled to be on an amendment to implement a single payer healthcare system in the United States. However, it has one ardent opponent: Bernie Sanders.
Although Sanders has long been a vocal advocate for single-payer health care, he’s opposing this amendment because it’s actually just a troll.
Republican Steve Daines of Montana is offering the proposal in an attempt to force Democrats to take a divisive vote and make vulnerable incumbents choose between the party’s liberal base and a position that potentially could be problematic with moderate swing voters.
Sanders though has slammed the proposal as part of a “sham process” and will refuse to vote for it. As a result, it’s likely that no other Democrats will support it as well.
6.49pm BST
18:49
Hello and welcome
Good afternoon from Washington, where the latest Republican attempt to overhaul Barack Obama’s signature healthcare reforms is due to come to a head.
This afternoon the Senate is expected to begin a so-called “vote-a-rama” – a long series of votes on dozens of different proposals – as Republicans desperately try to cobble together a compromise plan to repeal and/or replace the Affordable Care Act.
Senators will vote on amendment after amendment after amendment as they prepare for a late night session.
Earlier today it seemed the most likely option to pass was the so-called “skinny repeal”, which would remove Obamacare’s unpopular individual mandate, which requires all Americans to have health insurance or face a penalty, and perhaps the employer mandate as well, which means companies with 50 or more full-time employees must provide health insurance or pay a fine, but would leave in place its expansion of Medicaid, the government health program for low-income Americans.
Doctors, medical organizations and insurer groups have warned that the “skinny repeal” would discourage healthy people from staying in the health insurance markets and could drive up costs, and could therefore lead to the eventual collapse of the Obamacare system.
However, the Republican proposals are changing rapidly and the precise provisions of their final plan are still unclear. No actual legislation has yet been published by the GOP, and the bill remains a moving target, depending on the fate of individual amendments to the underlying legislation.
Read more on the skinny repeal here:
Republicans have been promising - or threatening - for seven years to undo Obama’s legislation, which saw nearly 20 million people gain healthcare. They view it as unwarranted government intrusion into the free market. The 2010 law required all Americans to have insurance or face a penalty, and offered states funding incentives to expand Medicaid coverage.
But despite the fact that since January Republicans have controlled the White House as well as both chambers of Congress, progress towards their goal has been painfully slow. A House bill that would dismantle much of the Affordable Care Act was passed to great fanfare in May, but since then the Senate has failed to agree on a version of its own, which has infuriated Donald Trump.
“Come on Republican Senators, you can do it on Healthcare,” the president tweeted on Thursday morning. “After 7 years, this is your chance to shine! Don’t let the American people down!”
The GOP has not been helped by a series of estimates by the Congressional Budget Office, which has estimated 23 million people would lose health insurance over the next 10 years under the House bill, and 22 million for a now-failed Senate plan. The “skinny repeal” is thought to bring that figure down to “only” 16 million.
If the Senate does pass some form of skinny repeal at some point tonight, that is not the end of the story. It would either have to be reconciled in some way with the House bill via conference committee before it reaches Trump’s desk or the House would have to pass the Senate bill.
But if it fails to pass anything, it could be a fatal blow for Republican attempts to undo Obamacare.
We’ll be following all the action on the Senate floor and around Capitol Hill right here.
