The Many Repeal Votes of John McCain

Senator John McCain has voted during the last two days to consider—not approve—a practically empty vessel which Republicans will try filling with legislative cargo; to waive Senate rules restricting an amendment as-written; against adopting one of those amendments as working language for a bill; and against sending the health insurance reform process to committees under one Democratic-favored condition.

I specify “McCain” because the commentariat has anointed him as this legislative melodrama’s main character: either “a f—ing disgrace” or “our greatest American,” depending on whether you side with the Sharks or the Vet.

Since he returned to his office on Tuesday afternoon, the Arizona senator has preached like a statesman and voted like a mainstream Republican, a familiar combination since President Obama’s second term. With that, here is the evolution of health insurance reform this week (so far) told through the votes of John McCain.

Tuesday

(1) A vote on the motion to proceed to H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017.

McCain: Yea.

The House-approved health insurance reform package, the American Health Care Act, always stood zero chance of passing the upper chamber. However, the fact that bill made it out the House at all is of use to Senate Republicans trying to advance the legislative process. If they take it up, amend it, and approve it, it would return to the House, which could alter it further, or initiate a negotiation of differences with the Senate in a conference committee.