Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch said he hopes Republicans have "as much time as it takes" to study the proposal. | Getty Senate GOP prepares for Obamacare repeal vote next week Republicans are working behind closed doors — and quickly — to finalize a bill and bring it to the floor. 
 
 Senate Republicans are preparing to vote on Obamacare repeal next week, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, potentially leaving rank-and-file lawmakers with no more than a week to review legislation that would affect millions of Americans and one-sixth of the U.S. economy. 
 
 Senators are expected to see the text of the bill as soon as the end of this week, those sources said, provided this week's work goes smoothly. The timeline could change based on the response from individual senators toward the proposal at party meetings, but Republicans are increasingly optimistic they can hold a vote next week if this week's lunch talks go well. 
 
 Story Continued Below 
 
 Sen. Bob Corker said Tuesday that he expects legislation to be made public on Thursday and for a vote to take place roughly a week later. The Tennessee Republican told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” he would have preferred "a more open process" but that he would ultimately vote based on the substance of the measure. 
 
 "I believed the majority leader when he said he's going to take it up. I expect us to vote on it next week," Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said Monday. "It's close. Everybody's been counting [votes] since the beginning. It's been close since the beginning." 
 
 Such a timeline would mean Republicans would have about a week to review text of a bill to repeal the 2010 health care law. Burr said he would be comfortable with that timeline: "We’ll debate it for 20 hours." 
 
 Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said he hopes Republicans have "as much time as it takes" to study the proposal. Democrats have slammed Republicans for moving so quickly and without holding public hearings. 
 
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 "It's not a light bill," Hatch said. Asked whether they will vote this month, he replied: "We could. But clearly I wonder if we could." 
 
 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) tried on Monday evening to get Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to commit to allowing at least 10 hours to review the legislation before it comes to the floor for a vote. McConnell wouldn't commit to such a number. 
 
 "We'll have ample opportunity to read and amend the bill," McConnell said. 
 
 The timeline could blow up because there is no final deal yet on any of the sticking points and negotiations are still extremely fluid. McConnell can lose just two senators in his 52-member caucus to pass the bill, with Vice President Mike Pence as a tie-breaker. 
 
 Democrats have been revving up their opposition to the legislation, organizing hours of speeches on Monday attacking the GOP's secretive process. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) called it "an affront to democracy itself." 
 
 Democrats spent Monday drawing a contrast between the passage of Obamacare and its potential repeal, emphasizing that hundreds of Republican amendments were considered and Congress devoted weeks to debate in committee and on the floor before the bill, also known as the Affordable Care Act, was passed. 
 
 "We had a month of debate in the United States Senate in 2009 — that seems like a reasonable amount of time" for the GOP bill, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). 
 
 But Republicans threw the Democrats' own history on health care back at them, arguing that Democrats deployed secretive techniques and the party-line budget reconciliation process to ultimately pass a portion of Obamacare into law. 
 
 "I hope they'll have more time than we did on Christmas Eve when [former Sen. Harry] Reid produced his bill," said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). 
 
 Republican leaders believe that entering the July 4th recess with their Obamacare quagmire unsolved could lose votes as well as hurt the GOP politically. But the rushed timeline could put rank-and-file Republicans in a tough spot with little time to deliberate such a consequential vote. 
 
 "We're going to need a significant amount of time," to review text, said Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). "More than hours." His remarks are the latest from rank-and-file GOP senators who have grumbled publicly about the process even as their leadership has vowed to steam ahead. 
 
 Last week, Republicans discussed insurance market stabilization in the short term as well as how to overhaul Medicaid and wind down its expansion. One proposal being floated would phase out the law's Medicaid expansion over three years beginning in 2020 or 2021 and eventually curb the Medicaid growth rate more strictly than the House-passed bill, but that proposal has not yet been agreed on. 
 
 This week, Republicans will discuss how far to cut Obamacare's regulatory regime and how much to beef up the House bill's tax credits to help people buy insurance. Conservatives want to gut the regulations as much as possible; there is more consensus on the tax credits but not necessarily how to pay for them. 
 
 There is no guarantee the legislation will pass given the party divisions. But McConnell has made clear to associates he prefers not to let the bill linger so the Senate can turn to funding the government, raising the debt ceiling and rewriting the tax code, according to people who speak with him regularly. ||||| A frantic scramble to influence the Senate’s healthcare legislation intensified on Monday, with House conservatives pressuring their allies in the Senate and Democrats mounting a furious public relations blitz to kill the bill. 
 
 The pace of activity is picking up ahead of the informal July 4 deadline set by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate passes 0B defense bill Overnight Health Care: New GOP ObamaCare repeal bill gains momentum Overnight Finance: CBO to release limited analysis of ObamaCare repeal bill | DOJ investigates Equifax stock sales | House weighs tougher rules for banks dealing with North Korea MORE (R-Ky.) for a vote. 
 
 McConnell does not want the ObamaCare debate to eat up more precious legislative time, with nearly half the year gone and congressional Republicans and President Trump still looking for a major legislative victory. 
 
 Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairman John Barrasso John Anthony BarrassoDems force 'Medicare for All' on Americans but exempt themselves GOP sees fresh opening with Dems’ single payer embrace Overnight Health Care: CBO predicts 15 percent ObamaCare premium hike | Trump calls Sanders single-payer plan ‘curse on the US’ | Republican seeks score of Sanders’s bill MORE (Wyo.) told reporters that he expects a Senate vote on the bill as soon as next week, underlining the importance of the next two weeks. 
 
 McConnell is walking a tightrope in seeking to win over centrists and conservatives for a Senate version of the House-passed American Health Care Act — which is being negotiated entirely behind closed doors. 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 Much of the focus has been on winning over moderates in the 52-member conference, a strategy that risks losing conservative Sens.(R-Ky.),(R-Utah) and(R-Texas). McConnell can only afford two defections, with every Senate Democrat expected to be a “no” vote. 
 
 In an effort to buck up the conservatives, the Republican Study Committee (RSC) — the largest group of conservatives in the House — warned that the Senate risks seeing its bill die in the House if it drifts too far to the center. 
 
 The RSC specifically warned that the bill would lose support in the House if it did not keep four provisions, including the phasing out of extra federal funding for Medicaid in 2020. They also warned McConnell against preserving ObamaCare’s tax increases, removing language defunding Planned Parenthood or barring refundable tax credits from being used to “federally fund abortions.” 
 
 In a bid to keep moderate Republicans on board, McConnell has proposed phasing out enhanced federal funding for Medicaid expansion in 2023. 
 
 GOP senators have also discussed keeping ObamaCare taxes to help pay for the costs of the bill, and language on Planned Parenthood in the House bill may be struck down by the Senate parliamentarian. The Senate plans to use special budgetary rules to prevent Democrats from filibustering the healthcare bill, but this makes certain provisions vulnerable under other Senate rules. 
 
 James Wallner, a former aide to Lee and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), who are both playing active roles in the healthcare talks, said the RSC letter shows that conservatives are laying down their markers before it’s too late. 
 
 “To the extent that the bulk of the party wants to pass the House-passed bill or a modified version of the House-passed bill, individual members need to take steps to give themselves leverage heading into that kind of high-stakes showdown,” he said. 
 
 Senate Democrats are hoping to have an impact, too. They threatened Monday to grind the Senate to a halt to protest Republicans’ decision to craft the bill in private meetings, skipping the regular order of holding hearings and marking it up in public committee sessions. 
 
 “If Republicans won’t relent and debate their healthcare bill in the open for the American people to see, then they shouldn’t expect business as usual in the Senate,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerSenate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill This week: Senate wrapping up defense bill after amendment fight Cuomo warns Dems against cutting DACA deal with Trump MORE (N.Y.). 
 
 Democrats planned to hold a late-night talk-a-thon on the Senate floor Monday night to put the spotlight on the GOP’s secretive tactics — a strategy Democrats used earlier this year to protest some of Trump’s controversial Cabinet picks. 
 
 The three conservatives are pressing different issues on healthcare. 
 
 Paul has made clear to colleagues that he will not support legislation that creates a new GOP-sponsored entitlement program in the form of refundable tax credits to help low-income people buy private insurance plans. 
 
 Lee and Cruz are pressing GOP leaders to allow states to get out of two major regulatory requirements under ObamaCare. 
 
 One, known as guaranteed issue, mandates that insurance companies sell insurance plans to people regardless of how sick they are, and another, known as community rating, prohibits insurance companies from pricing those plans to reflect the greater financial risk of insuring people with pre-existing medical conditions. 
 
 A GOP source familiar with the negotiations said McConnell has so far refused to promise conservatives to let states opt out of the community rating requirement — which keeps health plans more affordable for sick people but sends premiums soaring — or to exempt states altogether from the regulatory mandate and allow them to opt in. 
 
 McConnell, however, is worried that if he effectively guts ObamaCare’s popular prohibition against insurers charging higher prices for sick people, he would lose moderate votes. 
 
 Conservatives are stepping up their efforts to mold the bill, as it’s become apparent that Trump is primarily interested in a political victory and is willing to cater to moderates to get one. 
 
 At a meeting at the White House last week with prominent centrists such as Sens. Lisa Murkowski Lisa Ann MurkowskiSenate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill Collins skeptical of new ObamaCare repeal effort How Senate relationships could decide ObamaCare repeal MORE (R-Alaska), Rob Portman Robert (Rob) Jones PortmanWeek ahead in tech: Debate over online sex trafficking bill heats up 'Hillbilly Elegy' author won't run for Senate Brown, Portman urge Trump administration to move quickly on a steel decision MORE (R-Ohio) and Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsSenate Dems hold floor talk-a-thon against latest ObamaCare repeal bill Ryan: Graham-Cassidy 'best, last chance' to repeal ObamaCare Collins skeptical of new ObamaCare repeal effort MORE (R-Maine), Trump criticized the House-passed bill as “mean” and urged Senate Republicans to craft legislation that is “generous, kind [and] with heart.” 
 
 “That may be adding additional money into it,” the president said at the start of the meeting. 
 
 Moderate Republicans have sought to put their imprint on the legislation by pushing it further to the center. 
 
 A group led by Portman wants to extend the phase-out of extra federal funding for the Medicaid expansion to 2027 but would likely accept 2025 as a split-the-difference compromise with McConnell’s proposed end date of 2023. 
 
 Murkowski and Collins have also emphasized the importance of preserving funding for Planned Parenthood. 
 
 Murkowski wrote in a recent letter to a constituent that she is committed to providing insurance coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, continuing support for Medicaid expansion and preserving funding for Planned Parenthood. 
 
 — Jordain Carney and Rachel Roubein contributed. ||||| The Hill will be providing live updates as Senate Republicans seek to start their ObamaCare repeal effort on Tuesday. 
 
 Corker: I couldn't support a bill without a CBO score 
 
 11:00 p.m. 
 
 "I have no idea how it would play out and affect people across our country. I just don't know those things," he said. 
 
 The CBO couldn't score both the Portman and Cruz amendments in time for the Tuesday night vote. 
 
 Cruz says his amendment will end up in final version of healthcare bill 
 
 10:25 p.m. 
 
 "I believe we will see the Consumer Freedom Amendment in the legislation that is ultimately enacted," he said. 
 
 The amendment would essentially allow insurers to sell plans that don't comply with ObamaCare regulations, as long as it also sold plans that did. 
 
 The amendment was added to BCRA, which failed on the floor Tuesday night, but it could potentially be added to a bill when the House and Senate go to conference. 
 
 Portman touts stability funds amendment 
 
 9:07 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Rob Portman Robert (Rob) Jones PortmanSenate panel spars with Trump administration over treatment of unaccompanied immigrant children Senate study: Trump hasn’t provided adequate support to detained migrant children Senators introduce bill to change process to levy national security tariffs MORE (R-Ohio) touted his new amendment to the GOP's health bill on the Senate floor Tuesday night, though it is unlikely to get the 60 votes needed to pass. 
 
 The amendment, just added to the bill Tuesday night, would add $100 billion to the bill's state stability fund to help people who might lose the coverage they got under ObamaCare's Medicaid expansion. These funds could help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays. 
 
 Portman said he "worked with the president, vice president and administrative officials" to "improve this bill further to help out low-income Ohioans." 
 
 Portman was a holdout on the GOP's replacement bill, but indicated that his amendment moved him to "yes" on a crucial procedural vote on healthcare Tuesday afternoon. 
 
 The GOP's proposal repealing and replacing ObamaCare – being offered as an amendment to a bill currently being debated by the Senate – will likely need 60 votes, meaning it is unlikely to pass. 
 
 That's because the proposal includes two amendments, including Portman's, that have not yet been analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office, a requirement for the budgetary process Republicans are using to try to pass their healthcare bill. 
 
 Senate ObamaCare repeal, replace plan expected to need 60 votes 
 
 6:34 p.m. 
 
 A proposal repealing and replacing ObamaCare—being offered as an amendment to a bill currently being debate by the Senate—will likely need 60 votes, almost guaranteeing that it won't be able to pass. 
 
 Senate Republicans brought up their their repeal and replace proposal, known as the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), after voting early Tuesday to proceed to the House-passed healthcare bill. 
 
 The amendment will also include Sen. Ted Cruz's (Texas) proposal to give insurance companies more flexibility on what kinds of health insurance plans it offers, and a Medicaid proposal from Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio). 
 
 Because the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has analyzed neither the Cruz nor Portman proposals, the entire repeal-and-replace amendment may be required to meet a 60-vote threshold, according to guidance from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellOvernight Defense: Trump nixes Pompeo's North Korea trip | McCain gets outpouring of support | Erik Prince pushes Afghanistan plan Lawmakers offer support for McCain after he discontinues cancer treatment McCain ending brain cancer treatment MORE's (R-Ky.) office. 
 
 Dems force GOP to read entire repeal amendment 
 
 5:12 p.m. 
 
 Democrats forced the Senate clerk to read the entirety of an amendment that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) wanted to bring up on the healthcare bill. 
 
 Normally senators agree to waive the requirement that the entire text of a bill or amendment be read. 
 
 But Sen. Patty Murray Patricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayGOP leader criticizes Republican senators for not showing up to work Senate Dems press Sessions for records on racial discrimination complaints Dem senators introduce resolution calling on Trump to stop attacking the press MORE (D-Wash.) objected to the routine request from McConnell on Tuesday afternoon — the latest sign that Democrats are willing to slow walk the Senate over the healthcare fight. 
 
 McConnell called up the first amendment to the bill, which was the 2015 repeal bill. He's expected to attach the Senate's repeal and replacement bill, along with amendments from GOP Sens. Rob Portman (Ohio) and Ted Cruz (Texas) to that as a second-degree amendment. 
 
 Under Senate procedure, the chamber will vote first on the repeal and replace bill, before turning to repeal-only. 
 
 Heller: Leadership wants to pass healthcare bill by Friday 
 
 3:57 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Dean Heller Dean Arthur HellerGOP senators introduce bill to preserve ObamaCare's pre-existing conditions protections Lawmakers offer support for McCain after he discontinues cancer treatment Biden’s midterm strategy has a presidential feel MORE (R-Nev.) tells NBC News that GOP leaders want to vote on a healthcare bill by Friday. 
 
 JUST IN: Sen. Heller tells @NBCNightlyNews that GOP leadership told him that they want to have a health care bill voted on by Friday. — NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) July 25, 2017 
 
 HELLER says leadership told him that their goal is to pass healthcare by Friday. "Let's put this behind us," he said. — Marianna Sotomayor (@MariannaNBCNews) July 25, 2017 
 
 Trump thanks McCain 
 
 3:25 p.m. 
 
 President Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBrennan accuses Trump of dividing US: 'This could spill over into the streets' Trump knocks Dem in Ohio governor's race: He was groomed by 'Pocahontas' Trump congratulates new Australian leader: ‘No greater’ friend than Australia MORE thanked to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) shortly after the motion was agreed to, commenting on the Senate action at the start of Rose Garden remarks with the Lebanese prime minister. 
 
 "This was a big step. I want to thank Senator John McCain. Very brave man. He made a tough trip to get here and vote. So we want to thank Senator McCain and all of the Republicans," Trump said. 
 
 " We passed it without one Democrat vote. And that's a shame, but that's the way it is. And it's very unfortunate. But I want to congratulate American people, because we're going give you great health care. And we're going to get rid of Obamacare, which should have been, frankly, terminated long ago. It's been a disaster for the American people." 
 
 Trump's Twitter account sent out a similar message, and the White House also released a statement from the president. 
 
 "I applaud the Senate for taking a giant step to end the Obamacare nightmare," the statement said. "As this vote shows, inaction is not an option, and now the legislative process can move forward as intended to produce a bill that lowers costs and increases options for all Americans." 
 
 .@SenJohnMcCain-Thank you for coming to D.C. for such a vital vote. Congrats to all Rep. We can now deliver grt healthcare to all Americans! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017 
 
 McCain: ‘I will not vote for this bill as it is today’ 
 
 3:18 p.m. 
 
 Taking the Senate floor after the vote, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he won’t vote for the bill as is, calling it “a shell of a bill” and urging a return to regular order in the Senate. 
 
 .@SenJohnMcCain: "I will not vote for this bill as it is today. It's a shell of a bill right now." https://t.co/9FuTeMAdu2 pic.twitter.com/J9tcNg9b84 — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 25, 2017 
 
 Pence breaks tie 
 
 3:09 p.m. 
 
 Vice President Mike Pence Michael (Mike) Richard PenceSelling Space Force to the American electorate Trump risks leading the world into a space arms race Omarosa: Pence is 'dangerous' because he doesn't push back on Trump MORE cast the tiebreaking vote, clearing the procedural motion and allowing the Senate to begin debating an ObamaCare repeal bill. 
 
 JUST IN: Vice Pres. Mike Pence casts tie-breaking vote to advance Senate health care bill https://t.co/JDVWCzNtXP pic.twitter.com/T4JwF12GbU — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) July 25, 2017 
 
 McCain, Johnson vote yes 
 
 3 p.m. 
 
 Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainBrennan accuses Trump of dividing US: 'This could spill over into the streets' Overnight Defense: Trump nixes Pompeo's North Korea trip | McCain gets outpouring of support | Erik Prince pushes Afghanistan plan Palin responds to McCain news: 'May my friend sense appreciation for his inspiration' MORE (R-Ariz.) received a standing ovation as he took the Senate floor and voted yes on the motion to proceed. 
 
 He was joined by Sen. Ron Johnson Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonGOP on heels after Cohen plea, Manafort conviction Graham: Pardoning Manafort would be ‘bridge too far’ Dems to challenge Kavanaugh for White House records MORE (R-Wis.), getting the measure to 50. 
 
 Democrats are now casting "no" votes. 
 
 Sen. John McCain receives rousing ovation as he returns to Senate following announcement last week he has brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/7LwhCIJ30W — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 25, 2017 
 
 Protesters chant from Senate gallery 
 
 2:50 p.m. 
 
 Some people watching the vote from the Senate gallery are protesting, shouting "Kill the bill" to senators gathered on the floor. 
 
 Shouts of "Kill the bill!" erupt as Senate prepares to vote on motion to proceed on health care bill https://t.co/9FuTeMAdu2 pic.twitter.com/8z5y2XUbY9 — ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 25, 2017 
 
 Senate voting on motion to proceed 
 
 2:42 p.m. 
 
 Republican Sens. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsWhite House aides think Trump will pardon Manafort: report McCain ending brain cancer treatment Overnight Health Care: Senate approves massive bill including health spending | Bill includes drug pricing measure | Move to block Planned Parenthood funding fails MORE (Maine) and Lisa Murkoswki (Alaska) voted against the motion to proceed. If all other Republicans vote yes, Vice President Mike Pence will cast the deciding vote to break the tie. 
 
 So far, no Democrats have cast a vote. 
 
 Senate D's currently not voting. Want to make Republicans to do this, either way. — Jordain Carney (@jordainc) July 25, 2017 
 
 Schumer makes final plea to GOP: 'Turn back' 
 
 2:36 p.m. 
 
 Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerPutting Pearce back on labor board would be a blow to small business New Jersey to tell prosecutors they can drop some marijuana charges: report Overnight Health Care: Dem Senate candidate opposes Medicare for All | HHS official compared abortion to Holocaust as a student | Sessions moves to block two doctors from prescribing opioids MORE (D-N.Y.) made a final pitch for Republicans to vote against starting debate on the healthcare bill. 
 
 "I will plead one last time with my friends on the other side of the aisle — and I know you have sincerely tried to modify and change things. Turn back," he said. 
 
 His comments come as Republicans appear to have the votes to proceed to the House-passed healthcare legislation. 
 
 Schumer added that if Republicans vote against the bill, Democrats would work with them on legislation. 
 
 GOP senators head to the floor 
 
 2:30 p.m. 
 
 Senate Republicans emerged from a closed-door lunch, many remaining tight-lipped as they headed to the Senate floor for a vote to begin debate on ObamaCare repeal legislation. 
 
 Capito will back motion to proceed 
 
 2:26 p.m. 
 
 Another key GOP senator said she wold vote with the party on the procedural motion to would begin debate on ObamaCare repeal legislation. 
 
 “Today, I will vote to begin debate to repeal and replace Obamacare,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito Shelley Wellons Moore CapitoSenate GOP battles for leverage with House on spending Lawmakers, media team up for charity tennis event The Hill's Morning Report — Trump picks new fight with law enforcement, intelligence community MORE (W.Va.) said in a Tuesday afternoon statement. 
 
 “As this process advances on the Senate floor, I will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of West Virginians. I remain committed to reforming our health care system while also addressing the concerns I have voiced for months. I will continue to push for policies that result in affordable health care coverage for West Virginians, including those who are in the Medicaid population and those struggling with drug addiction.” 
 
 Heller to vote yes to begin healthcare debate 
 
 2:15 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) on Tuesday will vote to begin the healthcare debate. 
 
 Heller, who is seen as the most vulnerable Senate Republican incumbent in 2018, announced in a statement that he will vote to advance healthcare legislation, even though he warned last month that he opposed a motion to proceed to the Senate version of the healthcare bill because it would leave tens of millions more people uninsured. 
 
 Heller argued that blocking a debate would leave the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, as the status quo. 
 
 He was one of a handful of Republican senators considered most likely to block a debate on healthcare legislation and send Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) back to the drawing board. 
 
 Paul: Clean repeal up for consideration first 
 
 2:08 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Rand Paul Randal (Rand) Howard PaulOvernight Health Care: Senate approves massive bill including health spending | Bill includes drug pricing measure | Move to block Planned Parenthood funding fails Overnight Defense: Senate passes massive defense, domestic spending bill | Duncan Hunter to step down from committees | Pompeo names North Korea envoy Senate approves sweeping bill on defense, domestic spending MORE (R-Ky.) told reporters that he believes Republican leaders would move to a vote on a clean repeal of ObamaCare after passing a motion to proceed. 
 
 Up next would be a vote to repeal and replace ObamaCare, he said. 
 
 "Then it's going to be open to see what happens. I think people are predicting we may be able to get a more 'skinny' repeal that involves some things we can find consensus." 
 
 Paul has been staunchly opposed to the Senate's repeal-and-replace bill. 
 
 The bulk of the Senate GOP conference is still at lunch. 
 
 Portman to back motion to proceed 
 
 2:01 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) will vote in favor of the key procedural motion to effectively start debate in the Senate on ObamaCare legislation, according to the Columbus Dispatch. 
 
 The Dispatch quoted a source close to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who has opposed various Senate ObamaCare repeal-and-replace measures. The source said Portman had called Kasich to tell him the news. 
 
 Portman has long been seen as a key swing vote, and his support for the measure will make it more difficult for other centrists on the fence to vote "no." 
 
 Collins: 'Skinny' GOP health plan not adequate 
 
 1:35 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a key moderate, voiced concern over the slimmed-down Senate GOP plan going into the GOP policy lunch. 
 
 Collins said she had not heard about the so-called skinny ObamaCare repeal plan until a reporter asked about. 
 
 “I would look forward to hearing more details about that at lunch,” she said, as Senate Republicans gathered to discuss healthcare strategy ahead of this afternoon’s vote. 
 
 Schumer knocks Rand Paul over support for key procedural vote 
 
 1:35 p.m. 
 
 Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) knocked Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican signaled he would vote to start the healthcare debate. 
 
 "It’s true that he will likely get a vote on an amendment to do repeal without replace — but surely he knows that vote will fail. Why, then, would the junior Senator from Kentucky ... vote on the motion to proceed knowing that he won’t get what he wants?" Schumer asked. 
 
 Schumer added that he thinks Paul is going along with GOP leadership because if the Senate goes to conference with the House to merge their proposals, "the likeliest compromise in conference is full repeal of the Affordable Care Act or something close to it." 
 
 Paul said on Twitter earlier on Tuesday that the Senate will take up the 2015 ObamaCare repeal bill if they can get the 50 votes needed to start debate on the House-passed healthcare measure. 
 
 GOP senator: 'Skinny' repeal 'rather unsatisfying' 
 
 1:22 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said a proposed "skinny repeal" of ObamaCare would be "rather unsatisfying from my standpoint." 
 
 Johnson said that GOP leaders haven't yet told him what such a repeal would look like. 
 
 The conservative senator has been a frequent critic of the hurried process used to try to pass ObamaCare repeal and the limited info from leaders. 
 
 "You have to start with information. In this alternate universe, information is the last step in the process, including, I guess, right now, what we’re actually going to vote on, which is a little hard to believe," Johnson told reporters. 
 
 When asked if pared-down repeal would be better than nothing, Johnson didn't respond, but shook his head. 
 
 'Skinny' bill would delay repeal of ObamaCare mandates 
 
 1:10 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said the "skinny bill" would delay the repeal of the individual and employer mandates for two years. 
 
 He said he would support the skinny bill in order to "get to the next step." 
 
 Pence, Priebus arrive in Capitol 
 
 1 p.m. 
 
 Vice President Pence and White House chief of staff Reince Priebus have been spotted heading into the Senate GOP lunch. 
 
 The vote on the motion to proceed is expected shortly after the lunch ends. 
 
 VP Pence & WH Chief of Staff Priebus arrive at Senate GOP closed lunch to speak to Republicans ahead of their MTP vote on health care. pic.twitter.com/17frPcZ3ci — Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) July 25, 2017 
 
 Chamber of Commerce urges yes vote to debate 
 
 12:55 p.m. 
 
 The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday urged senators to vote in favor of the motion to begin debate on healthcare legislation, saying that it will consider including the vote in its annual scorecard. 
 
 "While good faith negotiations continue, remaining issues can be dealt with on the Senate Floor through the debate and amendment process," Jack Howard, senior vice president of congressional and public affairs at the Chamber, said in a letter to senators. 
 
 Heritage Action and Americans for Tax Reform have also called on lawmakers to vote yes on the motion. 
 
 McConnell pitches colleagues on beginning repeal debate 
 
 12:21 p.m. 
 
 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is urging his caucus to vote to start debate on repealing and replacing ObamaCare, a few hours before a key procedural hurdle. 
 
 "Any senator who votes against starting debate is telling America that you're just fine with the ObamaCare nightmare," he said. 
 
 McConnell will need at least 50 GOP senators to vote "yes" on taking up the House bill, which is being used as a vehicle for any Senate action. 
 
 He got a late boost of momentum after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) signaled he would vote "yes," on the heels of news that Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is returning to the Senate in time for the Tuesday afternoon vote. 
 
 No. 2 Republican reiterates 'everything's on the table' 
 
 12:10 p.m. 
 
 Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn John CornynWhite House aides think Trump will pardon Manafort: report Tension between Trump, Justice reaches pivotal point Corker: Sessions ‘owns’ Trump until he’s fired MORE (R-Texas) said "everything's on the table," just a few hours ahead of a vote to begin debate on repealing ObamaCare. 
 
 When asked if it was possible to move to a "skinny" repeal bill, Cornyn said, "I think we can do that." 
 
 He reiterated that if the Senate can pass a bill, it can go to conference with the House to hammer out the details. 
 
 Paul a 'yes' on key healthcare vote 
 
 12:08 p.m. 
 
 Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he will support a motion to proceed to debate on healthcare later in the day. 
 
 Paul tweeted that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told him the upper chamber would take up the 2015 ObamaCare repeal bill previously passed by Congress. 
 
 “If this is indeed the plan, I will vote to proceed and I will vote for any all measures that are clean repeal,” Paul said 
 
 Paul has pushed for a vote on the 2015 bill, which repeals large parts of ObamaCare's requirements and regulations, instead of the GOP repeal-and-replace plan that Republicans have been working on this year. 
 
 If that measure can't get the 60 votes it needs, which is unlikely, Paul said he would support "whatever version of CLEAN repeal we can pass." 
 
 McCain returning to the Senate this afternoon 
 
 12:06 p.m. 
 
 Sen. John McCain will return to the Senate about 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the Arizona Republican's office. 
 
 McCain, whose office announced last week he had been diagnosed with brain cancer, is returning in time to vote on taking up the House-passed healthcare bill in the upper chamber. 
 
 His office said McCain will speak on the Senate floor after the vote for first remarks since returning to Capitol Hill, and then speak with reporters off the Senate floor. 
 
 Senators prepare for dramatic vote 
 
 11:35 a.m. 
 
 Senate Republicans are preparing to take a dramatic procedural vote on Tuesday that could make or break their ObamaCare repeal effort. 
 
 It’s unclear if Republicans will have the 50 votes they need to clear a first procedural hurdle, though they are pulling out all the stops to do so. 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 The vote on a motion to proceed to the House ObamaCare repeal-and-replace measure is expected sometime Tuesday afternoon, but it hasn’t been scheduled. 
 
 The latest Senate GOP effort to get a bill through the Senate is the proposal of a “skinny” repeal bill that would end ObamaCare’s mandates and the medical device tax. 
 
 The hope is that this measure might win 50 votes from Republican senators who have been divided on healthcare. 
 
 GOP leaders have kept members mostly in the dark about what they will ultimately be voting on: a full repeal of ObamaCare with a two-year delay to find a replacement; the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which would make dramatic changes to Medicaid in addition to repealing large parts of the law; or the “skinny repeal.” 
 
 Sen. John Barrasso John Anthony BarrassoGOP senators introduce bill to preserve ObamaCare's pre-existing conditions protections Election Countdown: Trump plans ambitious travel schedule for midterms | Republicans blast strategy for keeping House | Poll shows Menendez race tightening | Cook Report shifts Duncan Hunter's seat after indictment Barrasso secures GOP nomination in Wyoming Senate primary MORE (R-Wyo.) said if members succeed in moving to begin debate, leaders don't even need to decide what the final product will be until after 20 hours of debate expire. 
 
 It's a highly unusual situation for the upper chamber to find itself in, made even more dramatic by Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) return to the Senate after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. 
 
 – Nathaniel Weixel, Jordain Carney, Naomi Jagoda, Rachel Roubein, Peter Sullivan and Jessie Hellmann contributed
– Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is aiming to hold a vote on the Senate's version of ObamaCare repeal-and-replace legislation next week—despite the fact that many GOP senators haven't seen it yet, let alone said they will support it. Insiders tell the Wall Street Journal that although McConnell can only afford to lose two Republican votes, he wants to wrap it up before the July 4 recess so the chamber can move on, and he is gambling that the pressure will make it easier for the GOP to reach a consensus. The Journal notes that if the bill fails to pass before the recess, lawmakers returning home could face "pressure from constituents." The bill is being crafted behind closed doors and sources tell Politico that the text should be ready this week, giving lawmakers around a week to review it before the vote. In contrast, the chamber debated the ObamaCare bill for a month in 2009. The Hill reports that McConnell has focused on winning over moderate Republicans, though conservatives in the House say the bill will die there unless the Senate keeps provisions including the phasing out of ObamaCare's extra Medicaid funding by 2020. "It's close," says GOP Sen. Richard Burr. "Everybody's been counting [votes] since the beginning. It's been close since the beginning." Democrats have slammed the GOP for failing to hold hearings, and plan to "embarrass the heck out of Republicans, who are as much in the dark as we are about their own leadership's plans on the bill," says Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned Monday that Democrats will delay Senate business unless the GOP allows open debate on the legislation.