GOP senator: ObamaCare repeal bill coming Thursday

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said he excepts to see the text of the Senate bill to repeal and replace ObamaCare on Thursday as Senate Republicans eye a vote on the legislation next week. 

“I am going to vote for this bill or vote against this bill determined based on how it affects people in Tennessee and actually how it affects our nation. And my understanding is I’m going to see it on Thursday,” Corker told MSNBC.

The Tennessee Republican, who is not a member of the healthcare working group convened by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), suggested that the legislation would be released to the public on Thursday as well.

“It should be out there, it looks like, about a week before a vote takes place. I think it’s planned to be out, language and all, on Thursday,” he said. 

Pressed if that would be enough time to review the bill, Corker added, “It looks like the time that’s going to be allotted.”

Corker is one of several GOP senators who have raised concerns about the closed-door process for crafting the bill.

Republicans haven’t publicly committed to releasing their bill this week. Asked about Corker’s comments, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) sidestepped, saying he didn’t have an “expectation” on when the text would be released. 

A spokesman for McConnell said they didn’t have a scheduling update. 

Republicans are eyeing a vote on the healthcare bill next week before lawmakers leave for the Fourth of July recess.

They have a narrow path to getting the bill through the Senate. Republicans have a 52-seat majority, meaning they could lose two GOP senators and still have Vice President Pence break a tie.