FOLLOW US

Mere hours ago, the American people learned of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's decision to put a hold on repealing and replacing Obamacare until John McCain fully recuperates from eye surgery.

According to The Hill, McCain announced his absence in the Senate for this upcoming week. Apparently, the Senate Majority Leader thought it wise to place yet another pause on healthcare reform due to McCain's absence.

Whether McConnell realizes it or not, he is not doing any favors for the Republican Party. For years, the GOP vowed to do away with Obamacare and implement a more fruitful and beneficial healthcare system. At a time in history where Republicans have control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, they have, so far, proven themselves to be utterly incapable of passing critical laws. How many new policies would Democrats be enacting if they had complete government control?

McConnell gave the following statement regarding his delay on healthcare reform:

"Elaine and I, along with the entire Senate family, wish John the very best and wish him a speedy recovery. While John is recovering, the Senate will continue our work on legislative items and nominations and will defer consideration of the Better Care Act."

Not only does this pause hurt the credibility of the Republican Party, but it also provides ample time for Obamacare advocates to convince undecided conservatives to vote against the Better Care Act. Those in favor of Obamacare have fought fiercely to protect it; they will undoubtedly employ McConnell's delay as an opportunity to fulfill their own agenda and sabotage potential votes that would have otherwise gone towards the Better Care Act.

To make matters even worse, this latest delay marks the second time that McConnell has chosen to halt the Senate's consideration of the Better Care Act. How many more times will he delay? How many more excuses will he engender to conceal Republicans' failure to follow through on passionate declarations made for years? While everyone is hoping for McCain to make a full and speedy recovery, who knows how long the process may take? To employ McCain's health as a political stalling tactic is beyond classless.

On Monday, Mitch McConnell is expected to receive a legislation score along with an examination of the Congressional Budget Office. Regardless of the results, McConnell and other Republican leaders must deliver on their promises to the American people. Premiums are rising, businesses are opting out, and the people of this nation simply cannot afford to foot the bill any longer. The GOP vowed to swiftly repeal and replace Obamacare. The time for action is now.