John McCain Says 'No' to Graham-Cassidy Bill, Likely Killing It

On Friday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) announced he cannot “in good conscience” vote for the Graham-Cassidy bill, the GOP’s latest Obamacare repeal effort.

With McCain out, the bill stands little chance of passing. Only three Republicans need to vote “no” on the bill for it to fail. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) said he opposes the bill, and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is expected to vote no as well.

“I cannot in good conscience vote for the Graham-Cassidy proposal. I believe we could do better working together, Republicans and Democrats, and have not yet really tried. Nor could I support it without knowing how much it will cost, how it will [a]ffect insurance premiums, and how many people will be helped or hurt by it,” McCain said in a statement.

Should the bill fail, this will be the second health care bill McCain has helped defeat since being diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this summer.

“I take no pleasure in announcing my opposition. Far from it,” McCain added. “The bill’s authors are my dear friends, and I think the world of them. I know they are acting consistently with their beliefs and sense of what is best for the country. So am I.”

Header image via John McCain’s Facebook.