Senate Majority Leader Admits Repubs May Not Pass "Repeal/Replace" Healthcare Bill

Sen. Mitch McConnell

Speaking at a Rotary Club event today in Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) acknowledged that Senate Republicans may not be able to pass their ObamaCare repeal legislation.

In doing so, McConnell signaled what might be interpreted as a sign that he's open to bipartisan stabilizing of insurance markets.

"If my side is unable to agree on an adequate replacement... then some kind of action with regard to private health insurance markets must occur."

From The Hill:

Republicans have campaigned for years on repealing and replacing ObamaCare, arguing the Affordable Care Act is “failing” and in a “death spiral," and insisting the law is not fixable.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) touted McConnell's comments, saying the Kentucky Republican “opened the door to bipartisan solutions.”

"It’s encouraging that Sen. McConnell today acknowledged that the issues with the exchanges are fixable,” Schumer said. “As we’ve said time and time again, Democrats are eager to work with Republicans to stabilize the markets and improve the law. At the top of the list should be ensuring cost-sharing payments are permanent, which will protect health care for millions.”

MCCONNELL: "If my side is unable to agree on an adequate replacement...." (1/2)

— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) July 6, 2017

MCCONNELL: "...then some kind of action with regard to private health insurance markets must occur." (2/2)

— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) July 6, 2017