Politics

Reaction To Senate GOP's Health Care Bill Was Quick And Critical

Senate Republicans released their version of the American Health Care Act on Thursday.

Reaction To Senate GOP's Health Care Bill Was Quick And Critical
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Senate Republicans finally released their version of a health care bill. And the criticism was swift.

Capitol Police arrested protesters outside the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Many of those gathered in opposition were people with disabilities who were particularly upset about the proposed changes to Medicaid.

Democrats continued to criticize their colleagues for writing the bill behind closed doors.

"We started in January with a process that cut us out of this under reconciliation. Thirteen men in a private room wrote this quote discussion draft that's not a bill that we're supposed to now look at and decide whether or not we like it," Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said on the Senate floor Thursday. 

"Let us right now, Democrats and Republicans, sit down and try to come up with a bipartisan bill. We're willing to do it today, now, this minute. Will you accept that offer?" Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked on the Senate floor.

"Mr. President, if I thought that was a sincere offer, I would take it in a minute, in a New York minute. But it's not," Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn responded.

Senate Republicans Are Using A Special Rule To Vote On Health Care
Senate Republicans Are Using A Special Rule To Vote On Health Care

Senate Republicans Are Using A Special Rule To Vote On Health Care

But before they can vote on their version of a health care bill, Senate Republicans need to finalize one.

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Democrats also criticized their colleagues for trying to pass the bill without any committee hearings.

"Will we have more time than 10 hours to debate the bill? I hope so," Schumer said.