After returning to Capitol Hill Monday following a 10-day recess, Republican senators did not appear to rule out a compromise on healthcare, even as deep division remain within their party.
Several senators voiced support for the Consumer Freedom Act, an amendment sponsored by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah that would allow health insurance companies to offer less expensive plans that do not include Obamacare's essential health benefits as long as they provide at least one plan that includes them.
It's not clear if the amendment will be part of the final healthcare legislation, and critics of the proposal say that it would leave only costly plans for people with the highest-cost medical needs, making coverage out of reach for people with pre-existing illnesses.
Senators did not speculate on when they might come to an agreement on the bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Monday that Republicans "will continue working" on a healthcare bill but did not schedule a vote. He warned during the July 4th recess that Republicans would need to work with Democrats to stabilize the Obamacare exchanges if they are unable to pass a bill that would repeal and replace portions of the law.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a key centrist vote who has said she believes Republicans should work with Democrats on crafting a bill, said provisions to cover pre-existing illnesses were important to her, as were many other healthcare provisions.
Get the Exclusive
05.01.2024