GOP tees up healthcare showdown

WASHINGTON—Senate Republicans are gearing up for a healthcare showdown later today. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., previewed the process on the Senate floor Thursday morning: “This is likely to be a very long night.” Senators began debating healthcare amendments Tuesday evening. McConnell first introduced his Better Care Reconciliation Act to repeal and replace large parts of Obamacare. The vote failed 57-43. On Wednesday, GOP leaders pushed a repeal without a replacement plan. That measure didn’t fare much better, failing by a vote of 55-45. Starting Thursday evening, McConnell will begin a marathon “vote-a-rama,” during which senators on both sides of the aisle can offer an unlimited number of amendments in quick succession. Most expect the process to last well into Friday morning. Republicans still have not coalesced around a single healthcare reform plan. Senate leaders have suggested Republicans will pass a “skinny repeal” by the end of the night. A skinny repeal would kill Obamacare’s individual and employer mandates and few of its taxes. But McConnell has yet to release any details, and House Republicans don’t seem to like the idea. “There would not be enough votes to pass it and send it to the president,” Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said on Wednesday. “But to use it as a vehicle to continue negotiations is certainly welcomed.”