New York Dems slam U.S. Senate health care vote

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By Brad Sylvester

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The Senate voted Tuesday to start debating the long-awaited Republican health care bill. The motion just barely passed, with a 50-50 tie being broken by Vice President Mike Pence in favor of bringing the bill to debate. The move marks a successful step toward the Republicans’ goal of repealing and replacing Obamacare, which they have been trying to achieve for seven years.

New York Democrats have been rallying hard against Republican health care reform and were naturally disappointed with the outcome of Tuesday’s vote. Several took to Twitter to express their frustration, including U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand:

 

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also criticized Republicans, calling the move “outrageous.”

 

Governor Cuomo was equally critical, calling the vote “shameful.”

 

Assemblyman Michael Blake, vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, was also outspoken on the issue, releasing a statement saying:

“The passage of the motion to proceed by Senate Republicans is a stark reminder that Congressional Republicans are willing to have people lose their health care so that Republicans can win some political points.”

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While the left continues to be outraged at the progress of Republican health care reform, Republicans must now figure out what they want to do. Amendments to the current system will be debated and eventually voted on. It remains unclear what the final outcome will be.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer believes a full repeal of Obamacare is next, saying, “A yes vote on the motion to proceed will lead to a conference with the House, which will certainly lead to a full repeal.”

 

Nevertheless, Schumer pledged that he’s “not giving up on #healthcare.”

 

In any case, it will be a busy week at the Capitol.

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