Senate Democrats’ delay tactic came to a dramatic end after more than 16 hours of nonstop legislative reading. However, Republicans still face hurdles before voting on President Trump’s healthcare bill.
On Saturday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., forced clerks to read the full 940-page bill aloud. That unusual move pushed proceedings into early Sunday, drawing national attention and frustration from GOP lawmakers.
Previously, the same delay tactic had only been used a few times in Senate history. In fact, the last similar effort came in 2021. At that time, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., demanded the reading of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
Schumer defended the move, saying Republicans hadn’t read the bill. He posted on X, “We’re going to make them.” He then added, “Republicans are squirming.” Senate Democrats’ delay tactic frustrated GOP leadership but failed to derail progress entirely. After the reading ended, the Senate moved forward to a procedural vote. Despite internal GOP drama, that vote ultimately succeeded.
Next, the Senate begins 20 hours of formal debate. That time will be split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats plan to use every minute. Republicans, on the other hand, expect to speak for only a few hours.
Not all Republicans support the bill. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., continues to raise concerns. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., also remains opposed. His position likely won’t change unless the Medicaid provisions are revised.
Tillis, who recently announced his retirement, is unlikely to yield to political pressure. Even President Trump’s social media criticism hasn’t moved him.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, supports the bill but wants changes. She demands revisions to the Medicaid provider tax rate. Fiscal conservatives also delayed the vote over federal Medicaid funding. Their objections focused on the federal medical assistance percentage, or FMAP.
Senate Democrats’ delay tactic created temporary gridlock but couldn’t stop the bill’s momentum. As the debate begins, all eyes remain on GOP unity. With time running short, negotiations over Medicaid could decide the bill’s fate.
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