Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada is facing backlash over a comment he made recently about the failed GOP effort to overhaul Obamacare.
Republican Senator Dean Heller of Nevada is facing backlash over a comment he made recently about the failed GOP effort to overhaul Obamacare.
In an on-camera interview with KRNV, he said, “I wake up every morning trying to figure out what's best for the state of Nevada, what can I do for Nevada families. And obviously got in the middle of this...health care battle, and I feel real pleased with the way this thing turned out. And we're turning the page now to tax reform.”
Heller is now under criticism for being "pleased" with the failed Senate Republicans’ so-called “skinny repeal” health care bill, despite voting in favor of it himself.
The liberal-leaning group American Bridge tweeted a clip of the segment and then pointed out that “he voted for it in the first place.”
KRNV reporter, Madeline Hunt, also commented after the segment aired that “this flip flopping issue could be crucial for the senator’s re-election."
Heller is expected to face a tough fight to keep his seat against Democratic Representative Jacky Rosen, notes CNN.
Even before the Senate’s vote, however, the lawmaker was facing intense pressure from both sides of the health care debate; according to Politico, Democrats had blasted him in late July for “voting to consider Obamacare repeal...after taking a hard line against GOP leadership’s previous plans to repeal and replace the law.”
Meanwhile, President Trump called him out on his position concerning the bill, saying at a news conference, “Look, he wants to remain a senator, doesn't he?"
On his official senate website, Heller says he is opposed to government-run health care but supports improved access, lower costs, and coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions.
