CNN is reporting that McCain’s real reason for returning was to shepherd the Defense bill through the Senate. Then this happened:
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer cut a deal with McConnell to immediately move onto the bill -- i.e. no Democrats would object to starting. McConnell moved to bring it up on the floor and Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul objected.
This was not expected, aides told CNN. While they knew Paul had serious issues with the bill and had amendments he was demanding merited consideration, aides and senators say McCain's staff had given assurances that he would get those amendments put in order. And Paul objected anyway.
Now McCain goes back for treatment — return date unknown — and the Senate turns to nominations instead. Mitch McConnell has a bigger problem than licking his wounds over the BCRA: He’s lost his caucus. Lamar Alexander is planning hearings on stabilizing the individual insurance market. Chuck Grassley is warning the President not to expect any cooperation if Jeff Sessions is fired. Lisa Murkowski didn’t bend; Susan Collins is probably running for Maine Governor in 2018, so she doesn’t care, either. And John McCain played McConnell, big time. Next up, IMHO: Ted Cruz: Up for reelection in 2018, and running for President in 2020.
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy, Mitch.