John McCain just dealt the GOP's latest healthcare bill a critical blow

pulse

September 22, 2017 7:17 PM

McCain cites lack of "regular order" in decision to vote against the Graham-Cassidy bill.

Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican who delivered the final blow to the previous attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, came out against the Graham-Cassidy bill Friday afternoon, dealing the legislation a potentially fatal blow.

In a statement, McCain said the lack of regular order in crafting the legislation is what pushed him away.

"I would consider supporting legislation similar to that offered by my friends Senators Graham and Cassidy were it the product of extensive hearings, debate and amendment," McCain said. "But that has not been the case. Instead, the specter of September 30budget reconciliation deadline has hung over this entire process."

"I hope that in the months ahead, we can join with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to arrive at a compromise solution that is acceptable to most of us, and serves the interests of Americans as best we can," McCain said.

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