Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski explained on Friday why she cast a vote against the Senate GOP healthcare bill, saying she remained "committed" to reform, but stressed that both parties had an "obligation to do better" in finding solutions, The Hill reported Friday.
"As a Senate, as leaders, we have an obligation to do better for those whom we serve," Murkowski said. "I stand ready to begin work with my colleagues — all of them — to reform healthcare in a more open process."
Murkowski, along with Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and John McCain, R-Ariz., voted with all Senate Democrats against the "skinny" Obamacare repeal bill early Friday. She said she was still "committed" to finding solutions to healthcare issues brought about by Obamacare.
"The Affordable Care Act remains a flawed law that I am committed to reforming with a structure that works better for all Americans," Murkowski said.
"But to do that, the Senate must fully devote itself to an effort to improve the healthcare system in this country, reduce costs, increase access, and deliver the quality of care that our families want and deserve," she added.
Murkowski had been under pressure by both President Donald Trump and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. Trump earlier this week tweeted she had "let the country down" and Zinke called her threatening to withhold federal support for economic development projects in her state if she failed to vote in favor of the bill.
Murkowski dismissed the pressure.
"Every day shouldn't be about winning elections," she said. "How about just doing a little bit of governing around here? That's what I'm here for."
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