Sen. Carper Issues Statement on Sen. McCain’s Announcement on Health Care Reform

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- The office of Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., issued the following statement after Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., announced his opposition to legislation introduced by Senators Cassidy and Graham to repeal the Affordable Care Act:

"We don't always get second chances in life, especially on the really important things. Thanks to John McCain's courage, we're one step closer to realizing a second chance to fix the provisions in the Affordable Care Act that need to be fixed, and preserve the parts that need to be preserved.

"Two weeks ago, Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray began a bipartisan process, which we call regular order. It needs to continue. If we can find common ground on stabilizing the exchanges, that will serve as a confidence builder to enable us to turn to other important health care decisions.

"The American people yearn for a Congress and leaders in Washington who will set aside party politics, work together and do what's right. John McCain set a great example for all of us today. We need to follow it."