Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said on Saturday that he will back President Donald Trump’s signature legislation after Republicans made changes to the health care language, helping leadership shore up their whip count.
“I’m going to vote yes on this bill,” Hawley said.
Hawley, whose intentions had been unclear, said he was satisfied by a change that would delay implementing changes to the provider tax language, which most states use to help cover Medicaid costs. He was also encouraged by an increase in the rural hospital fund, which means that his state will get more Medicaid funding for the next four years.
Hawley’s decision comes as Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is expected to hold an initial vote on the megabill on Saturday, setting up final passage as soon as Sunday.
Several senators have yet to say if they will vote to start debate or help pass the final bill. Thune can lose no more than three GOP senators and still let Vice President JD Vance break a tie.
