Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) announced that he will oppose the Graham-Cassidy proposal, the Republican Party's latest attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Senate Finance Committee plans to hold a hearing on the legislation on September 25, according to a report from Politico.
The legislation was drafted by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in yet another effort to repeal the ACA, this time before September 30, when the Republicans' fast-track legislative authority to pass a bill with only a simple majority vote will expire, Politico said. After that date, repeal legislation will require 60 votes.
In a statement released on September 22, McCain explained why he would not be supporting the measure.
"I cannot in good conscience vote for the Graham-Cassidy proposal," McCain said. "I believe we could do better working together, Republicans and Democrats, and have not yet really tried. Nor could I support it without knowing how much it will cost, how it will affect insurance premiums, and how many people will be helped or hurt by it. Without a full Congressional Budget Office score, which won't be available by the end of the month, we won't have reliable answers to any of those questions."
Republicans hold a 52-seat majority in the Senate, and they can only lose two votes and still pass the proposal. In addition to McCain, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has announced his opposition. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said she is "leaning against" the measure, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has also remained a key holdout, Politico said.
