Senate rejects health care measure with Cruz ‘Freedom Option’ – Chron.com

Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais, STF

Click through to see lawmakers' reaction to the proposal.

Paul announced that he would not support the bill in its current form, but would be "open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor." He stated: "It does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs.

Paul announced that he would not support the bill in its current form, but would be "open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor." He stated: "It

Cruz also announced that he will not support the bill in its current form. He states: "As currently drafted, this bill draft does not do nearly enough to lower premiums. That should be the central issue for Republicans repealing Obamacare and making healthcare more affordable. Because of this, I cannot support it as currently drafted, and I do not believe it has the votes to pass the Senate."

Cruz also announced that he will not support the bill in its current form. He states: "As currently drafted, this bill draft does not do nearly enough to lower premiums. That should be the

Lee also stated that he will not support the bill. He tweeted: "It does not appear that health care bill draft will repeal Obamacare and lower health care costs as we promised to do."

Lee also stated that he will not support the bill. He tweeted: "It does not appear that health care bill draft will repeal Obamacare and lower health care costs as we promised to do."

Johnson told reporters that he will not vote for the bill, and that Republicans and Democrats should start over on a bipartisan health bill.

Johnson told reporters that he will not vote for the bill, and that Republicans and Democrats should start over on a bipartisan health bill.

Collins was noncommittal, and her office issued the following statement: "Senator Collins will carefully review the text of the Senate health care bill this week and into the weekend. She has a number of concerns and will be particularly interested in examining the forthcoming CBO analysis on the impact on insurance coverage, the effect on insurance premiums, and the changes in the Medicaid program."

Collins was noncommittal, and her office issued the following statement: "Senator Collins will carefully review the text of the Senate health care bill this week and into the weekend.

Franken criticized the bill, tweeting: "Minnesotans understand that the GOP health care bill will harm the well-being of millions of people in our state and across the country."

Franken criticized the bill, tweeting: "Minnesotans understand that the GOP health care bill will harm the well-being of millions of people in our state and across the country."

Hatch praised the bill, stating: "The discussion draft released today is an important step in our effort to replace Obamacare with patient-centered reforms that address costs, provide more choices, and ultimately put Americans not Washington back in charge of their health care."

Hatch praised the bill, stating: "The discussion draft released today is an important step in our effort to replace Obamacare with patient-centered reforms that address costs, provide more

Heller expressed "serious concerns" about the bill and issued the following statement: "Throughout the health care debate, I have made clear that I want to make sure the rug is not pulled out from under Nevada or the more than 200,000 Nevadans who received insurance for the first time under Medicaid expansion. At first glance, I have serious concerns about the bills impact on the Nevadans who depend on Medicaid."

Heller expressed "serious concerns" about the bill and issued the following statement: "Throughout the health care debate, I have made clear that I want to make sure the rug is not pulled

Scott was supportive of the bill, calling it "a much better plan than Obamacare."

Scott was supportive of the bill, calling it "a much better plan than Obamacare."

Blunt offered his support of the bill, stating: "The draft health care legislation preserves access to care for people with pre-existing conditions, strengthens Medicaid and does not change Medicare, gives people more health insurance choices, and allows people to stay on their family health insurance plan until they are 26...American families need a more reliable and affordable health care system, and this bill takes important steps in that direction.

Blunt offered his support of the bill, stating: "The draft health care legislation preserves access to care for people with pre-existing conditions, strengthens Medicaid and does not change

Like other members of his party, Murphy unloaded on the bill. He tweeted: "No tweaks by amendment can fix this monstrosity. If you vote for this evil, intellectually bankrupt bill, it will ruin millions of lives."

Like other members of his party, Murphy unloaded on the bill. He tweeted: "No tweaks by amendment can fix this monstrosity. If you vote for this evil, intellectually bankrupt bill, it

Senate rejects health care measure with Cruz 'Freedom Option'

WASHINGTON A proposal containing Sen. Ted Cruz's measure to allow insurers to sell skimpier, low-cost policies next to Obamacare plans was voted down in the Senate Tuesday night.

The Texas Republican's "Consumer Freedom Option" was part of the latest Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

NO. 1 ISSUE: Poll shows Americans rank it at the top for the first time

The vote came after Republicans were able to break an impasse and begin debating a long-delayed health care bill on the Senate floor.

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The 57-43 vote was three shy of the 60 needed to pass a procedural hurdle to advance the latest version of the bill.

The vote was among the first of dozens that are expected in the coming days as Republicans seek to fashion Obamacare replacement legislation.

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Senate rejects health care measure with Cruz 'Freedom Option' - Chron.com