Senator John McCain voted in favor of a procedural hurdle Tuesday evening that would have advanced the GOP’s ObamaCare repeal and replace bill to a vote. The vote to advance the proposal to a vote failed 43-57, with McCain voting yes, The Hill reports.
The proposal was the first amendment to get a vote after senators took up the House-passed healthcare bill, which is being used as a vehicle for any Senate action, earlier Tuesday. It included proposals from Senators Ted Cruz and Rob Portman. A vote on an amendment that would repeal much of ObamaCare is expected on Wednesday.
In a fiery floor speech earlier in the day, McCain said he would oppose the legislation in its current form when it comes time for final passage. He called the current proposal a “shell of a bill” and said the Senate Health Committee should hold hearings on healthcare legislation.
“Let’s trust each other. Let’s return to regular order. We’ve been spinning our wheels on too many important issues because we keep trying to find a way to win without help from across the aisle,” he said.
Asked by a reporter after the vote why he voted in favor of the motion, he said: “I just thought it would be good to move the process forward, and then we’ll see what happens later on”.
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