Senate Republican staff will be working on a draft version of the Senate’s ObamaCare repeal-and-replace legislation during the upcoming recess, according to multiple senators.
“Over the break, initial legislation will be drafted and then we’ll have more time, actually have a basis to discuss” specific policies, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said Thursday after leaving a meeting of the Senate Republicans’ healthcare working group.
“We’ve had the discussions. It’s time to draft a bill, and we’ll move forward on that when we get back.”
The Senate has a district work period scheduled from May 29 to June 2.
Johnson said he expects a discussion draft will be circulated internally among Republicans upon their return.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said the bill will be drafted by leadership staff and staff of the relevant committees. Cassidy said he hasn’t personally been consulted on language, but has been assured this is not the final step.
“Of course we’re advocating our ideas but they’ve made it a point [that] this is just a starting point, not an end point. But am I being consulted personally? No,” Cassidy said.
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) said staff will be putting together base language over recess.
“But there is no final agreement yet. This is a process.”