WASHINGTON, D.C. (KELO AM) Republicans John Thune and Mike Rounds both have skin in the game as they watch their party's efforts to reform healthcare insurance unravel in the U.S. Senate.
Senator Thune helped put together the Obamacare replacement plan that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has decided to put on the shelf as he tries for a vote on repeal only. His office said in a statement Tuesday that Thune still believes the plan addresses many of the concerns raised by his Republican colleagues, but understand that the requisite number of votes don't currently exist to get it passed.
His office said that Thune still wants debate on the plan, but would support Obamacare repeal consistent with the repeal he voted for in 2015.
Senator Rounds has consistently argued that Obamacare should be repealed and replaced at the same time. He did it again Monday night on his telephone town hall as he was peppered with questions about healthcare, only to learn of his party leader's new approach when he got off the phone.
"I believe the disagreements over Obamacare’s replacement plan can be solved," said Rounds in a statement released by his office Tuesday, "....We have to do something to stop health care costs from continuing to spiral out of control. While a delay would force everyone to the table, I’m concerned about families who will continue to see their premiums skyrocket in the meantime."
Rounds said that Congress "shouldn't rush on this."
McConnell's new idea is to vote on a full repeal of Obamacare but delay the repeal for two years to give lawmakers time to work out their many differences on a replacement. But even this new strategy may not get enough Republican votes to make it happen.
