Trump urges Republican unity on healthcare vote

By Euronews

Published on 25/07/2017 - 07:13

The US President made a last-ditch plea ahead of Tuesday's key vote in the Senate

On the eve of Tuesday’s crucial vote in the Senate, US President Donald Trump urged Republicans to come together to make Obamacare a thing of the past.

His efforts to ‘repeal and replace’ have so far not run smoothly.

So Trump made a last-ditch plea at the White House, in front of families he said had been hurt by his predecessor’s signature healthcare law.

“Obamacare has been for them a nightmare,” Trump said.

“There is still time to do the right thing and for Senate Republicans this is their chance to keep their promise.

“To every member of the Senate I say this, the American people have waited long enough, there’s been enough talk and no action. Now is the time for action.”

Any senator who votes against starting debate is telling America that you are fine w/ the #OCareNightmare!
Remarks: https://t.co/tSvWaMdxBA pic.twitter.com/DI7e78hr6N
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 24 juillet 2017

The Senate will vote on whether to open debate on an overhaul.

But Republicans are divided between moderates who fear low-income Americans will lose health insurance under new proposals and conservatives who want even deeper cuts to Obamacare.

Battling brain cancer, Senator John McCain is returning to the US capitol to play what could be a key role in keeping the Republican plan afloat.

With Washington still reeling from the news of McCain’s illness, he announced his return on Twitter.

Look forward to returning to Senate tomorrow to continue work on health care reform, defense bill & #RussiaSanctions https://t.co/VQBtovnwF1
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) 25 juillet 2017

The Republican party has only a slim 52-48 majority in the 100-member Senate and Democrats are united in opposition.

McCain has said that he typically votes to open legislative debates such as these, but has also voiced concerns about the Senate bill and said he would try to address them on the floor.

He is set to help decide whether the repeal push will move forward or perhaps be abandoned entirely.