WASHINGTON - As the contentious debate over overhauling the nation's health care system shifts to the Senate, moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins, of Maine, says the Senate will not take up the House bill and will instead start from scratch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6YsY9SiMqc&feature=youtu.be
Collins made the remarks on ABC's "This Week" Sunday morning.
Collins is among some senators who have already voiced displeasure with the health care bill that cleared the House last week. Collins told host George Stephanopoulos that some of the bill's provisions will hit hard in states with older, rural populations such as Maine.
Critics cite concerns about potential higher costs for older people and those with pre-existing conditions, along with cuts to Medicaid.
In addition, Collins said the Congressional Budget Office has not yet released its assessment of the impact of the bill.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is urging Senate Republicans to "not let the American people down." Trump's budget director, Mick Mulvaney, says the version of the health care bill that gets to the president will likely differ from the House measure. Such a scenario would force the House and Senate to work together to forge a compromise bill.
A health advocacy group is launching a six-figure advertising campaign this week targeting 24 Republican House members who voted to repeal Barack Obama's health care law.
Save My Care says the campaign will include a mix of TV and digital advertising, costing more than a half million dollars.
Maine 2nd District Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Republican, supported the GOP health care bill. First District Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree voted against it.