Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) says that it is “impossible” for House and Senate Republicans to agree on a plan to repeal and replace ObamaCare.
“The Republicans are now looking for a unicorn, something that can make the radical right-wing members of the House of Representatives happy, and a bill that make simultaneously those senators that come from states that have already opted into the Affordable Care Act happy,” he said Monday, according to The Boston Globe.
“It is an impossible thing to do, and my job and the Massachusetts delegation’s job is to make their job even tougher,” Markey added at the Boston office of Health Care for All, an advocacy group.
“Senator [Elizabeth] Warren [(D-Mass.)] and I are going to do everything in our power to stop this bill in the United States Senate.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday signaled that the upper chamber would take its time on legislation for reforming the U.S. healthcare system.
{mosads}“This process will not be quick or simple or easy, but it must be done,” he said. “It’s the least members in both parties owe to the countless Americans who continue to suffer under ObamaCare and the countless more who will be hurt if we don’t act.”
The House approved the American Health Care Act late last week, sending it to an uncertain future in the Senate.
The Senate is expected to overhaul the bill as they try coming up with a plan that can muster enough support to clear the upper chamber.
Republicans have a 52-seat majority, meaning they can lose up to two senators, with Vice President Pence breaking a tie.
No Democrats are expected to support a bill that repeals significant portions of ObamaCare.