McCain Says He's a Thumbs-Up on Tax Bill

There will be no thumbs-down moment coming: Sen. John McCain on Thursday announced that he's in the "yes" camp on the GOP tax bill, a decision he says he came to "after careful thought and consideration." In a statement, McCain described the legislation as "far from perfect" but still able to "enhance American competitiveness, boost the economy, and provide long overdue tax relief for middle class families." CNBC sees the move as "increasing the plan's chances of clearing the Senate by Friday"; Vox writes "it will probably pass." Fifty of the Senate's 52 Republicans must vote yes in order for that to happen.

Business Insider reports he was considered a wild card in part due to his votes against ObamaCare repeal and his comments on the related health-care bills being rushed to the floor. He addressed what he sees as the difference here: "For months, I have called for a return to regular order, and I am pleased that this important bill was considered through the normal legislative processes, with several hearings and a thorough mark-up in the Senate Finance Committee during which more than 350 amendments were filed and 69 received a vote." (More John McCain stories.)