x
Breaking News
More () »

US Senate attempt to repeal Obama healthcare act fails

WASHINGTON D.C.  The Senate has rejected a measure to repeal parts of former President Barack Obama’s health law, dealing a serious blow to President Dona...
Stalemate Continues Between Senate, House

WASHINGTON D.C.  The Senate has rejected a measure to repeal parts of former President Barack Obama’s health law, dealing a serious blow to President Donald Trump and the GOP agenda.

Unable to pass even a so-called “skinny repeal,” it was unclear if Senate Republicans could advance any health bill.

Three Republicans joined with all Democrats to reject the amendment, which would have repealed mandates that most individuals get health insurance and that large companies provide it to their employees. It would have delayed a tax on medical devices.

The vote was 49-51.

The amendment was a last resort for Senate Republicans to pass something _ anything _ to trigger negotiations with the House. Some Republicans were concerned that the House would simply pass the pared-down bill and send it to Trump. Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine voted with Democrats to defeat the measure.

Governor Malloy issued a statement Friday morning:

 “Tonight’s vote on the so-called ‘skinny repeal’ bill was a sickening attempt to score cheap political points at the expense of American men, women and children.  Senate Republicans have failed to produce a single proposal that would improve the American healthcare system.  Instead, time and time again they have put forth destabilizing proposals that would result in millions more uninsured, higher premiums with less comprehensive coverage, and eviscerating coverage for our most vulnerable residents.  Republicans in the House and Senate must immediately stop this attack on healthcare and instead work with the nation’s governors – both Democrats and Republicans – to stabilize the market and make improvements to the current system that will benefit all Americans, rather than needlessly putting millions of lives at risk.”

Lt. Governor Wyman issued a statement Friday morning:

“As I’ve said before, the ACA is a strong start – millions more Americans now have insurance coverage and better access to healthcare.  In Connecticut, we have engaged patients, providers, and others in ongoing work to bring down costs and improve access and outcomes.  This is helping our residents better afford coverage and care – but this work is far from done, here and throughout the country.  Vote after vote to repeal the ACA has failed.  The time has come for our federal partners to support the ACA and states’ efforts on healthcare reform.”

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal released the following statement Friday morning:

“Tonight’s vote is a testament to the millions of Americans who never gave up—who relentlessly spoke out and stood up with caring and conviction. They came to town halls, called Congress, and posted on Facebook. It is also a tribute to the Senators who heard those voices, and put the people they represent first. A few profiles in ‎courage slowed – and maybe stopped – a tragic assault on American health care. Being in the Senate Chamber for this vote was a proud and moving moment. We must now come together, reaching across partisan divides. Let us end a misguided and misanthropic effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. We stand ready to work on commonsense, bipartisan improvements to our healthcare system, joining our colleagues across the aisle.”

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy released the following statement Friday morning:

“People in Connecticut are breathing a huge sigh of relief right now. This bill, stripping health care from millions of Americans, was a nightmare, but if not for the uprising of millions of Americans all over the country, it would probably be law by now. I’m glad to have played a role in its defeat, but I am not celebrating. People in Connecticut tell me they’re tired of the two parties simply using their health care as a political cudgel. Now we have an amazing opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to actually work together to keep what’s working in the Affordable Care Act and improve what’s not working. I’m ready to sit down at the table to get a bipartisan, commonsense reform bill done.”

Before You Leave, Check This Out