McConnell Asks CBO to Score Health Bill That Empowers States

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked the Congressional Budget Office to examine and score a Republican healthcare bill that would empower states to build their own platforms using federal money.

The Washington Examiner reported that McConnell's office said the Kentucky Republican wants to see the CBO rate the plan offered by Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and three other lawmakers — including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC., who has pitched the bill in the media over the last few months.

Cassidy said Friday morning the bill is nearing 50 votes of support, which it needs to pass in the Senate — assuming Vice President Mike Pence would break a 50-50 tie — before a Sept. 30 deadline. After that, it would need 60 votes to pass.

Graham indicated Thursday after a meeting with Republican senators that McConnell was warming up to the bill.

Republicans tried over the summer to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. The House passed a bill in May, and the Senate altered the bill and put it up for a vote in July — which failed by one vote.

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