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Rand Paul, who opposes the legislation, said a narrower repeal bill could still muster enough Republican votes to clear the Senate. | Getty

Sen. Rand Paul on Sunday said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likely lacks the support to pass legislation that would repeal and replace Obamacare, after McConnell delayed a vote because of Sen. John McCain's absence following surgery.

In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Paul, who opposes the legislation, said a narrower repeal bill could still muster enough Republican votes to clear the Senate.

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"I still think the entire 52 of us can get together on a more narrow, clean repeal," the Kentucky Republican said.

Another holdout, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), said in an interview on ABC's "This Week" that she didn't know if the Senate could pass the revised bill and that a vote would be "extremely close." She said there are around eight to 10 Republican senators who have "deep concerns."

"But how this would all translate out, I'm not certain, and I never underestimate Leader McConnell's skills," she said.

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In the Fox interview, Paul criticized an amendment from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) that would allow insurers to sell skinnier health plans if they also sell plans compliant with Obamacare.

"The Cruz amendment will still be in the context of having the fundamental flaw of Obamacare, which are all these mandates," he said.

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Originally posted here:
Rand Paul: McConnell doesn't have votes for health care bill - Politico