Despite President Trump’s focused criticism on Sen. Rand Paul for saying he would vote ‘no’ on the Graham-Cassidy healthcare bill, the Kentucky Republican said he refuses to be “bribed or bullied” into changing his mind.
“No one is more opposed to Obamacare than I am, and I've voted multiple times for repeal. The current bill isn't repeal,” he wrote on Twitter. “I won't vote for Obamacare Lite that keeps 90% of the taxes & spending just so some people can claim credit for something that didn't happen.”
He added: “Calling a bill that KEEPS most of Obamacare "repeal" doesn't make it true. That's what the swamp does. I won't be bribed or bullied.”
No one is more opposed to Obamacare than I am, and I've voted multiple times for repeal. The current bill isn't repeal.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 22, 2017
I won't vote for Obamacare Lite that keeps 90% of the taxes & spending just so some people can claim credit for something that didn't happen
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 22, 2017
Calling a bill that KEEPS most of Obamacare "repeal" doesn't make it true. That's what the swamp does. I won't be bribed or bullied.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 22, 2017
Earlier in the morning Trump tweeted, “Rand Paul, or whoever votes against Hcare Bill, will forever (future political campaigns) be known as "the Republican who saved ObamaCare."”
The tweet was not the first time Trump singled out Paul this week. On Wednesday, the president wrote, "Rand Paul is a friend of mine but he is such a negative force when it comes to fixing healthcare. Graham-Cassidy Bill is GREAT! Ends Ocare!"
Republicans need at least 50 votes to pass the healthcare legislation. Vice President Mike Pence would cast the tie-breaking vote. Supporters of the legislation are currently working on convincing the three senators who voted against the “skinny” repeal effort in July: Sens. John McCain, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins.
The GOP is pushing for a vote next week before the Sept. 30 procedural deadline to pass the measure by a simple majority. After that date, Republicans will need 60 votes.