Here is what is trending in politics around Georgia and across the nation on Thursday.
1. For health care bill, it's 'vote-a-rama' day
Look for a flurry of activity Thursday on health care legislation. The Senate will begin a "vote-a-rama" as the 20 hours of debate on a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act comes to an end. During that time, senators may introduce an unlimited number of amendments to the bill that is being considered. Each amendment will be voted on without debate. As long as the amendment is germane to the bill, it is allowed. One senator claimed he had 100 amendments to float.
2. Perdue says Trump has right to impose transgender ban
In a surprise announcement Wednesday, President Donald Trump tweeted that transgender people would be banned from serving in the U.S. military. Many details of the ban remain unanswered, such as does it mean that current transgender service members would be discharged. FiveThirtyEight.com reported that two of the 52 Republican senators supported the president's ban – Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Sen. David Perdue of Georgia. Perdue said the president had the right to make the decision.
3. Here's how Georgia's senators have voted on health care
As a vote on the health care bill moves to a climax, here's a look at how Georgia's senators, Perdue and Johnny Isakson, have voted so far:
On the vote to have debate on the bill:
Sen. Perdue – Yes
Sen. Isakson – Yes
On the vote to revise the ACA (that included Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's amendment):
Sen. Perdue – Yes
Sen. Isakson – Yes
On the vote to repeal the ACA and replace it within two years:
Sen. Perdue – Yes
Sen. Isakson – Yes
4. Blue Cross Blue Shield warning
Blue Cross Blue Shield is warning members of the Senate that the cost of health care for all will go up if a health care bill is passed that eliminates the mandate requiring people to purchase insurance. "If there is no longer a requirement for everyone to purchase coverage, it is critical that any legislation includes strong incentives for people to obtain health insurance and keep it year-round. A system that allows people to purchase coverage only when they need it drives up costs for everyone," BCBS said in a statement released Wednesday. BCBS of Georgia is the only insurance company that offers insurance policies in every county in Georgia. Blue Cross has indicated they intend to continue doing business the Obamacare exchange market in Georgia, but are looking to raise rates in the state by about 40 percent.
5. Will Spicer be dancing with the stars?
ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" has apparently expressed interest in having outgoing White House press secretary Sean Spicer be a contestant on the show, according to a story from Politico. Spicer has remained quiet on what is next for him, though reports have said that he has talked with ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox about being a contributor on those networks. No confirmation from Spicer or the networks about a possible gig.
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