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.
