Last last night, the Senate voted against the "Skinny Repeal" of Obamacare by an extremely narrow margin—51-49.
While Sen. John McCain's deciding vote has dominated the headlines, he's not the only Republican senator who voted against the repeal. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins also voted against the measure and it's worth noting that their votes were not a surprise; their opposition to the GOP's plans to repeal Obamacare has been persistent.
As Bustle reports, Murkowski and Collins have expressed specific concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid and the impact the repeal would have on rural hospitals—and both have consistently opposed the GOP's attempts to defund Planned Parenthood.
The two women tweeted on July 25 explaining their positions on the bill:
I voted no on MTP. When dealing w/ a complex issue that affects millions of Americans & 1/6th of our economy, we must proceed carefully. 1/3July 25, 2017
We must work in a bipartisan way to fix the ACA’s serious flaws. 3/3July 25, 2017
My statement on today on the motion to proceed vote. pic.twitter.com/d0Y7SJ93DtJuly 26, 2017
McCain also released a statement explaining his vote:
"I've stated time and time again that one of the major failures of Obamacare was that it was rammed through Congress by Democrats on a strict party-line basis without a single Republican vote. We should not make the mistakes of the past."
And, of course, Donald Trump took to Twitter to weigh in on the decision as well.
While McCain's vote is historic and important, to ignore the role Collins and Murkowski played in blocking the skinny repeal is shortsighted at best. These women fought hard and put their constituents ahead of party politics—which exactly what elected officials are supposed to do.
RELATED STORY
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K."We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TVBelieve it or not.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
