Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy have pulled their healthcare bill from the possibility of a full Senate vote after key Republicans this week said they would not back the most recent attempt to repeal much of the Affordable Care Act.
Graham promised to be back with the bill he said would eventually replace the ACA.
"We don't have the votes," Cassidy said. "Since we don't have the votes, we'll postpone that vote."
[Also: Collins's decision to vote 'no' on Graham-Cassidy likely dooms bill]
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell said they would move on to tax reform and a markup from the budget committee next week.
Graham said that with regular order, they would get 50 votes.
"It's about the process," he said.
"Were on path to pass Graham, Cassidy, Heller, Johnson," Graham said, adding that there would be a bipartisan path forward, he said.
Holdout Republicans included Sens. Rand Paul, John McCain and Susan Collins.
The GOP could afford to lose only two votes to pass the bill by simple majority in time for budget reconciliation by a Sept. 30 deadline.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com