Republicans prefer to spend their time on taxes, not health care. But until health care is off their plate and budgeteers can prepare the next bill, tax reform is stuck in the rail yard. Other senators need convincing that the bill will meet the particular health care needs of rural states. Moreover, this isn’t the only big request Mr. McConnell will make of his conservative colleagues this year. And of course, even if the health care bill fails, he still clears the tracks for pressing business ahead.

Source: New York Times June 23, 2017 00:13 UTC