Sen. John Thune said Wednesday that Republicans have reached out to their colleagues who are unsure of whether to support the tax reform bill.
He was specifically asked about Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and John McCain of Arizona, who are both still uncertain about whether they’ll support the bill when it comes to a full vote.
“I hope we’re getting her closer to where she’ll ultimately be a yes,” Mr. Thune, South Dakota Republican, told Fox News regarding Ms. Collins’ concerns.
“Sen McCain, I don’t know at this point. I think his big issue has been the process,” he added.
Mr. Thune, one of the chief architects of the tax plan, said he believes the process has been fair and open, adding that the committees have voted on over 70 amendments proposed by Democrats.
“Everybody is having a chance to be heard,” he explained. “Hopefully, in the end, if the process is one that has been an open one, and it has been, very transparent, Sen. McCain will find his way to be in favor of this bill.”
Mr. McCain famously rejected the Republicans attempt to overhaul health care because of the closed-door process and cast the deciding vote that killed the bill over the summer.
The Senate hopes to bring the tax reform bill to a vote this week.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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