In his Daily Journal article “Senators Duel Over Health Care,” Partner Michael Parme discussed the outcome of the most recent votes in the health care debate and possible next steps.
“While McConnell indicated that the Senate would vote on health care legislation on July 25, 2017, it was anyone’s guess as to what legislation would be presented for vote. After much speculation and uncertainty, McConnell made a motion to proceed on the House-approved AHCA,” wrote Parme. “Having obtained the necessary votes on the motion to proceed, a number of options remain on the table as the Senate will continue to debate and consider amendments.”
Shortly after obtaining the motion to proceed, the Senate voted on a version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), and it failed by a vote of 43-57. The following day, the Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act (ORRA) failed by a vote of 45-55.
“Senate Republicans may be in the uncomfortable positions of needing consensus without any further defections to obtain the 50 votes they need to pass a bill,” Parme added. “The next step may be a similar “repeal only” proposal.”