2 senators deal a blow to 'skinny repeal' effort
WASHINGTON - Two Republican senators say House Speaker Paul Ryan's statement that the House is willing to negotiate a final health care bill with the Senate is insufficient.
Their statements deal a blow to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's effort to pass legislation.
Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina say they are still opposed to a minimal bill that would only repeal several provisions of former President Barack Obama's health law.
The so-called "skinny repeal" is a last resort for Senate Republicans to pass something - anything - to trigger negotiations with the House. McCain and Graham are concerned that the House would simply pass the minimal bill and send it to President Donald Trump.