Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey said Monday that he supports an Obamacare overhaul bill sponsored by four GOP senators, which could draw support from Sen. John McCain, who voted down a “skinny” Obamacare repeal bill in late July.
The bill sponsored by four Republican senators is the “best path forward to repeal and replace Obamacare,” Ducey said.
Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Dean Heller of Nevada, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin co-sponsored the bill that gives Obamacare funding to states in the form of block grants. It also repeals the law’s individual and employer mandates and lets states waive insurer mandates such as one that prevents insurers from charging people with pre-existing conditions higher premiums.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has said that Ducey’s position could affect his thinking on the new legislation. McCain has said that he wants any legislation to overhaul Obamacare to go through regular order with hearings and bipartisan participation.
“Senator McCain continues to review the bill to assess its impact on the people of Arizona,” a representative told the Washington Examiner. “As he has said before, Senator McCain believes healthcare reform should go through the regular order of hearings, open debate and amendments from both sides of the aisle.”
The “skinny” repeal bill failed in late July by 49-51 vote. McCain joined all Senate Democrats and fellow Republicans Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine in opposing it.
Graham said Ducey’s support means momentum is growing for the legislation.
“A great day for federalism, bad day for Obamacare,” he said.
