Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on Saturday.
McCain's
absence cast doubt on whether the Senate would be able to pass the legislation
to dismantle and replace Obamacare. McConnell needs 50 "yes" votes
for passage in a chamber the Republicans control by a 52-48 margin.
"While
John is recovering, the Senate will continue our work on legislative items and
nominations, and will defer consideration of the Better Care Act,"
McConnell said in a statement.
The
announcement came after McCain's office said he would remain in Arizona next
week following a procedure to remove a 2-inch (5-cm) blood clot from above his
left eye.
Repealing
and replacing President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law was a top
campaign promise for President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.
But two
Republican senators have already declared their opposition to revised
legislation unveiled on Thursday.
McCain has
expressed concern about the healthcare bill but has not said how he would vote.
The 2008
Republican presidential nominee, McCain was resting comfortably at home in good
condition after Friday's operation, his office said.
"There
are few people tougher than my friend John McCain, and I know he’ll be back
with us soon," McConnell said.
McCain's
surgeons removed the clot during a minimally invasive craniotomy through an
incision in the 80-year-old lawmaker's eyebrow. Tissue pathology reports would
be available within the next several days.
"Thanks
to @MayoClinic for its excellent care -- I appreciate your support & look
forward to getting back to work!" McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed
Services Committee, said on social network Twitter late on Saturday.
REUTERS
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