Paul Morigi/Getty Images(PHOENIX) — The U.S. Senate will delay its consideration of health care legislation while Sen. John McCain recuperates from surgery, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Saturday night, just hours after the Arizona Republican announced he underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye.
“Elaine and I, along with the entire Senate family, wish John the very best and wish him a speedy recovery,” McConnell said in a statement that referred to his wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. “While John is recovering, the Senate will continue our work on legislative items and nominations and will defer consideration of the Better Care Act.”
My statement on @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/WSqc9axgzm
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) July 16, 2017
McCain’s absence from a procedural vote could have put the bill, which needs the support of 50 of 52 GOP senators to advance, in jeopardy. So far, Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Rand Paul have publicly stated they will not support a motion to proceed to floor debate on the legislation.
And McCain has expressed his displeasure with the bill. On Thursday, he said in a statement: “The revised Senate health care bill released today does not include the measures I have been advocating for on behalf of the people of Arizona. That’s why if the Senate takes up this legislation, I intend to file amendments that would address the concerns raised by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and other leaders across our state about the bill’s impact on Arizona’s Medicaid system.”
Read my full statement on the revised Senate health care bill here: https://t.co/kXor3CQp8c
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) July 13, 2017
McCain, 80, tweeted Saturday night, “Thanks to @MayoClinic for its excellent care — I appreciate your support & look forward to getting back to work!”
Thanks to @MayoClinic for its excellent care – I appreciate your support & look forward to getting back to work! https://t.co/eUkFr7jKYB
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) July 16, 2017
Earlier in the evening, the Mayo Clinic announced in a statement that the surgery had taken place: “Following a routine annual physical, Sen. John McCain underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye on Friday, July 14, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix,” read the statement. “Surgeons successfully removed the 5 cm blood clot during a minimally invasive craniotomy with an eyebrow incision. Tissue pathology reports are pending within the next several days.”
The statement read that McCain is “resting comfortably at home and is in good condition.”
McCain’s office acknowledged in a statement that he would remain in Arizona: “Senator McCain received excellent treatment at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, and appreciates the tremendous professionalism and care by its doctors and staff. He is in good spirits and recovering comfortably at home with his family. On the advice of his doctors, Senator McCain will be recovering in Arizona next week.
McCain’s wife, Cindy McCain, retweeted her husband’s statement, writing, “A remarkable man!”
A remarkable man! RT @SenJohnMcCain: Thanks to @MayoClinic for its excellent care – I appreciate (cont) https://t.co/FFMp2ifPwl
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) July 16, 2017
The McCains’ daughter, Meghan McCain, tweeted, “Thank you to the incredible team at @mayoclinic Arizona for taking such good care of my father – he will be back soon.”
Thank you to the incredible team at @mayoclinic Arizona for taking such good care of my father -he will be back soon https://t.co/uKaUjZrOqv
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 16, 2017
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