Several Democrats were smiling Monday night after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell admitted that the Better Care Reconciliation Act was not going to work. It just didn't have the votes, especially after two more GOP senators, Mike Lee (R-UT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), came out against the bill.
As a result, McConnell announced that instead of repealing and replacing Obamacare immediately, they would revise a 2015 bill that would repeal it over the next two years.
Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez was obviously pleased, releasing a statement in which he purported that BCRA’s defeat was a “victory for human decency.”
Republicans attempted to take away health care from millions and failed twice because the American people made their voices heard and overwhelmingly rejected this bill. Instead of listening to the people they represent, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Congressional Republicans ignored their constituents and met behind closed doors to craft legislation that would have devastated working families. Make no mistake: This bill’s defeat is a victory for human decency and for the millions of families who rely on the Affordable Care Act.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) didn’t hide his feelings either.
"I am delighted to see that the disastrous Republican health care plan will not succeed," he wrote in a statement.
On the Senate floor Tuesday morning, McConnell warned his Democratic colleagues not to be so gleeful.
More McConnell: "I imagine a number of Democrats were celebrating last night. They should think about what they're celebrating."
— Nathaniel Weixel (@NateWeixel) July 18, 2017
“The American people are hurting,” he said. It’s a shame, he continued, that Democrats have not been open to engage in the debate.
Democrats like Joe Manchin (D-WV), however, are willing to sit down with the majority party if they show a real willingness to find fixes.