Two moderate Republican senators who opposed the chamber's first version of the legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare expressed reservations Thursday about the revised bill released by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Sens. Shelly Moore Capito of West Virginia and Rob Portman of Ohio said they looked forward to a score on the revised bill from the Congressional Budget Office as they consider the legislation.
The nonpartisan agency last month estimated the Senate's original version would leave 22 million more Americans uninsured in 2026 than under Obamacare.
Both senators opposed the original version of the legislation.
"Any healthcare bill to replace Obamacare must provide access to affordable healthcare coverage for West Virginians, including our large Medicaid population and those struggling with drug addiction," Capito said.
"I opposed the previous draft because it did not ensure access to affordable healthcare in West Virginia, did not do enough to combat the opioid epidemic that is devastating my state, cut traditional Medicaid too deeply, and harmed rural healthcare providers."
Portman said his objective was to "create a more workable system that lowers the cost of coverage, provides access to quality care, and protects the most vulnerable in our society.
"I opposed the last draft of the Senate health proposal because I had concerns about the measure's Medicaid policies, especially those that impact drug treatment for those suffering from addiction," he added.
"I've also consistently said that the Affordable Care Act isn't working for many Ohio families and small businesses whose premiums and deductibles have skyrocketed, and choices have disappeared as health insurance plans have left Ohio."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.