A GOP bill proposing a single payer system was voted down Thursday, according to The Hill.
The bill was proposed by Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., in what many believe was an attempt to force Democrats to publicly demonstrate whether they actually support single-payer healthcare. The bill was defeated 57 to zero, with most Democrats voting "present" instead of yes or no. Four Democrats and one Independent voted against the bill.
"Senator Daines doesn't support this bill," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. He just wants to get Democrats on the record. The majority leader has made pending an amendment that both he and the author of the amendment will oppose, and that's the very definition of a political game. We Democrats aren't going to go along, because ... this isn't a game."
"I do not support a single-payer system, but I believe Americans deserve to see us debate different ideas, which is why I am bringing forward this amendment,” Mr. Daines said. “It’s time for every senator to go on the record on whether or not they support a single-payer healthcare system.”
A single-payer system has received public support from legislators like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, though none of them voted for the measure. A bill proposing Medicare-for-all has already received 115 co-sponsors in the House.
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