WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In a coordinated series of procedural moves and lengthy speeches late on Monday, Democratic Senators took turns railing against Republican efforts to draft an alternative healthcare bill in secret.
"This radical departure from normal procedure on a bill of such consequence leaves the Senate minority little choice but to depart from normal procedure as well," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor. "If the Republicans won't debate their healthcare in the open for the American people to see, they shouldn't expect business as usual."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell objected to each of their motions.
Schumer said the senators would continue to make moves aimed at stalling Senate work, such as objecting to requests on noncontroversial items that are usually passed quickly.
"These are merely the first steps we're prepared to take in order to shine a light on the shameful Trumpcare bill and reveal to the public the GOP's backroom deal-making," Schumer said.
The speeches and symbolic motions were expected to last until midnight or later.
The Affordable Care Act was a signature policy achievement of former President Barack Obama.
President Donald Trump has succeeding in rolling back several of Obama's initiatives, including his opening to Cuba and his executive orders on environmental protections.
