Thad Cochran Returns to D.C. as Budget Battle Looms

As Republicans on Capitol Hill work to pass a 2018 budget and much-hyped tax reform bill, Senator Thad Cochran returned to Washington, D.C., today, despite continuing health problems.
Mississippi’s senior senator issued a statement that said, “I am pleased to be back in Washington, where I look forward to continuing work on the 2018 appropriations bills and to taking part in the debate on the budget and tax cuts. I appreciate all the support and kind words I received while at home.”
Cochran decided not to return to the nation’s capital yesterday as planned because of his health. Cochran, chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, has been undergoing treatment for urological issues and will remain under medical supervision, which could affect his work schedule.
Republicans need all the votes they can muster to pass a tax reform bill promised to their base. Without Cochran’s vote, his party might have a harder time passing a budget resolution, which is the only way to push through the GOP tax reform plan without any Democratic votes. According to Politico, Senators Rand Paul and John McCain are both possible “no” votes.