Sens. Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray announced their bill has 24 cosponsors. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Sens. Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray introduced their bipartisan individual market stabilization bill on Thursday and announced it has 24 cosponsors.
Why it matters: This bill could pass the Senate — if it comes up for a vote.
Republican sponsors: Alexander, Sens. Mike Rounds, Lindsey Graham, John McCain, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Joni Ernst, Lisa Murkowski, Richard Burr, Bob Corker, Johnny Isakson, Chuck Grassley
Democratic sponsors: Murray, Sens. Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen, Joe Donnelly, Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken, Heidi Heitkamp, Joe Manchin, Tom Carper, Tammy Baldwin, Claire McCaskill, Maggie Hassan
Key quote: Given the policies included and the various sponsors, Alexander said, "Sounds like something that might actually become law before the end of the year."
To opponents of the bill: "Some people are still objecting to the idea of continuing" cost-sharing reduction payments for two years, Alexander said: "They're listening to groups around Washington, D.C. I would suggest they listen to some other people" who could be hurt if the payments don't continue.