McCain returns to Senate for crucial votes

WASHINGTON—Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., announced he will return to the Senate on Tuesday less than a week after revealing he has brain cancer. “Look forward to returning to Senate tomorrow to continue work on health care reform, defense bill & Russia Sanctions,” McCain tweeted Monday evening. McCain had surgery to remove a blood clot from his eye earlier this month and was subsequently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. His unexpected return to the Senate comes at a good time for GOP leaders, who are trying to whip enough votes to proceed with healthcare reform. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., plans to hold a vote Tuesday afternoon on a motion to proceed on a 2015 bill to defund large parts of Obamacare without a replacement plan. Republicans have a 52-48 majority in the chamber, and McCain’s presence gives McConnell one more vote to work with. McConnell said Monday the procedural vote, if cleared, would begin debate on the 2015 repeal bill and senators would be able to offer amendments.