Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took a late night victory lap with the collapse of the Senate GOP health care push. Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Mike Lee (R-UT) all lined up against the motion to advance the bill, which killed repeal and replace efforts. Senate Majority Leader was forced to concede defeat and offer to vote for an Obamacare repeal with a two-year delay provision. That’s not what conservatives have been working for nearly a decade. That’s not what they voted Republican for in numerous elections. Now, Senate Democrats are saying that it’s time for the GOP to work with them on health care, which is another fool’s errand. Any Republican who goes down this route will face the wrath of the GOP base (via The Hill):
This second failure of #Trumpcare is proof positive that the core of this bill is unworkable. #ProtectOurCare
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 18, 2017
Rather than repeating the same failed, partisan process yet again, Republicans should start from scratch and work with Democrats on a bill that lowers premiums, provides long term stability to the markets and improves our health care system,” the Senate minority leader said in a statement.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said he's "delighted" to see GOP senators fleeing from the chamber's latest version of an ObamaCare repeal-and-replace bill.
"I am delighted to see that the disastrous Republican health care plan will not succeed," he wrote in a statement.
"The American people want to proceed to health care for all, not see 22 million Americans thrown off of the health care they currently have. This is a great victory for the millions of Americans who stood up and fought back against this dangerous legislation."
Yeah, the GOP should brace for impact. Some high intensity anger, frustration, and dismay are heading their way.