WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the ongoing effort by congressional Republicans to pass a health care bill (all times local):
1:15 p.m.
A Texas Republican congressman says it’s “absolutely repugnant” that the GOP-led Senate hasn’t acted on repealing the health care law and he singled out “some female senators from the Northeast.”
In a radio interview with “1440 Keys,” Rep. Blake Farenthold said the Senate has failed to show the courage to dismantle the health care law. The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to move ahead on legislation.
Farenthold complained about some female lawmakers and said, “If it was a guy from south Texas, I might ask him to step outside and settle this Aaron Burr-style.”
Maine Sen. Susan Collins has been consistent in opposing the GOP replacement to Obamacare. Other female senators who have expressed reservations are Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
___
12:25 p.m.
The Republican governor of Ohio says it would be a mistake for the Senate to move ahead on health and “force a one-sided deal that the American people are clearly against.”
In a statement on Monday, Gov. John Kasich says Republicans and Democrats should work together openly to address the failings of the Obama health law and come up with a bipartisan solution.
Kasich, who sought the GOP presidential nomination last year, said the American people will come out on the losing end if Republicans try to force a vote without open dialogue and transparency.
Kasich’s comments add pressure to Ohio’s Republican senator, Rob Portman, ahead of the vote.
___
9:30 a.m.
President Donald Trump has a message for Republican lawmakers deliberating the latest proposed health care bill: this is your last chance.
Trump is tweeting that “Republicans have a last chance to do the right thing on Repeal & Replace after years of talking & campaigning on it.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has struggled to get the votes needed from GOP lawmakers to pass the bill, particularly in the face of solid opposition from the Democrats.
Facing criticism from the president, the Senate postponed its summer break as it works to break through the stalemate.
The White House remains adamant that a path to passing the bill remains, but concedes that the longer the process drag on, the harder it will be to move the bill forward.
___
3:10 a.m.
The Senate will move forward with a key vote this week on a Republican health bill but it’s a mystery what exactly they will be voting on. It’s not yet known whether the legislation will seek to replace President Barack Obama’s health care law or simply repeal it.
Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will make a decision soon on which bill to bring up for a vote, depending on ongoing discussions with GOP senators. Thune sought to cast this week’s initial vote as important but mostly procedural, allowing senators to begin debate and propose amendments.
But he acknowledged senators should be able to know beforehand what bill they will be considering.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.