Many Senate Republicans appear to be ignoring President Donald Trump’s taunts for them to renew efforts to repeal Obamacare despite, Politico is reporting.
"Until somebody shows us a way to get that elusive 50th vote, I think it's over," said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the third-ranking Republican. "Maybe lightning will strike and something will come together, but I'm not holding my breath."
But Trump has refused to admit defeat and on Saturday tweeted:
Senators, however, said it is time to focus on other legislation.
"Obviously, we didn’t give up and we didn’t quit," Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri said. "We can come back to this at another time and I’m sure we will.
"Do I think we should stay on healthcare until we get it done? I think it’s time to move on to something else. Tax reform, infrastructure are the kinds of things we ought to be looking."
And Republican aides tell Politico there is almost no chance Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will try to renew efforts at repealing Obamacare any time soon.
One Senate staffer said there has been discussion of a "hard pivot to tax reform."
And Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said the Senate was move ahead, according to The Hill.
"We're moving forward," he said. "Maybe set this aside while we do tax reform." And he added: "But we have to continue working on his healthcare system because Obamacare is a mess."