President Donald Trump is backing a new push by Senate Republicans to repeal Obamacare and attacked Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul Wednesday for not supporting the effort.
The Graham-Cassidy Bill, named for senators Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy, would end the Obamacare individual and employer mandates and would shift the law’s Medicaid expansion program into block grants for states. Sen. Paul says he doesn’t support this as it “isn’t a repeal. This is keeping Obamacare and redistributing the proceeds.” (RELATED: 12 Ways Cassidy-Graham Affects Obamacare)
“Rand Paul is a friend of mine but he is such a negative force when it comes to fixing healthcare. Graham-Cassidy Bill is GREAT! Ends Ocare!” Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. “I hope Republican Senators will vote for Graham-Cassidy and fulfill their promise to Repeal & Replace ObamaCare. Money direct to States!”
Due to Senate rules, Senate Republicans are trying to pass a health care reform bill before Sept. 30, after which they would need 60 votes. CNN reported Tuesday that Sen. Paul is the only definitive GOP “no” vote to the legislation. The Republicans, who hold a 52 seat majority, can afford to lose two votes as Vice President Mike Pence is able to supply a tie-breaking vote.