Vice President Mike Pence has taken the lead on the healthcare bill as Senate Republicans have made it clear they would much rather negotiate with him over the president, The New York Times reported.
The vote on the bill has been delayed until after the Senate's July 4 recess after opposition grew following the release of an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office the GOP plan would leave 22 million more Americans uninsured in 2026 than under Obamacare.
While President Donald Trump became more engaged Tuesday, it was only after Republican leaders announced the postponement. And several White House and congressional officials told The New York Times they preferred Pence to be involved anyways.
One senator – Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. – said he was unhappy after a pro-Trump group launched TV and radio ads against Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., over his opposition to the Obamacare repeal plan.
Other Republican senators who have declared opposition to the bill, including three more Tuesday, have few ties to Trump, according to the Times, while Pence has been far more active in seeking out the nine and tempering their concerns.