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Senator John McCain will return to Arizona early for Christmas and miss tax vote

The passage of the Republicans’ tax bill does not hinge on Mr McCain’s support

Alexandra Wilts
Washington DC
Monday 18 December 2017 01:18 GMT
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Senator John McCain passes by on a wheelchair in a hallway at the Capitol December 1, 2017 in Washington, DC
Senator John McCain passes by on a wheelchair in a hallway at the Capitol December 1, 2017 in Washington, DC

Republican Senator John McCain will reportedly head back to Arizona this week to continue recovering from the side effects of chemotherapy for a brain tumour, meaning he will miss the vote on his party’s tax bill.

The Arizona Republican is unlikely to return to Washington this year, CNN reported. But his ability to get on a plane to Arizona was a “good sign”, a source told the outlet.

Mr McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, confirmed that her father would be in Arizona for Christmas.

“Thank you to everyone for their kind words. My father is doing well and we are all looking forward to spending Christmas together in Arizona,” she tweeted.

Mr McCain was admitted into the hospital last week after missing a third straight day of Senate votes. He is receiving treatment for a type of brain tumour called glioblastoma, which he was diagnosed with in July.

The Senate is expected to vote on the tax bill early this week.

The passage of the Republicans’ tax does not hinge on Mr McCain’s support. Last week, multiple holdouts expressed that they would vote for the bill, all but ensuring that the measure would pass.

With a majority of 52-48, Republican leader Mitch McConnell could only afford to lose two votes on the tax plan. Vice President Mike Pence can also cast a tie-breaking vote, if necessary.

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