McCain cannot vote by proxy if GOP needs his support on tax bill

PHOENIX — Should the Republican Party need Arizona Sen. John McCain’s vote to pass its tax bill this week, he would have to head back to Washington, D.C.

“It has been an issue, but there’s no voting by phoning it in in the United States Congress,” Valley political analyst Stan Barnes said.

Senate rules mandate that members be present to vote on floor matters, such as the final passage of bills. They will either be asked for their vote individually — called a roll call — or by voice, in which members reply “yay” or “nay” to a measure.

The longtime senator missed several votes last week after being hospitalized for a viral illness. He left the nation’s capitol over the weekend for the Christmas holiday, which he planned to spend in Arizona, and was expected to miss the tax bill vote.

He tweeted Monday that he planned to head back to work in January, despite his ongoing battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Thanks to everyone for your support & words of encouragement! I'm feeling well & looking forward to returning to work after the holidays.

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) December 18, 2017

Though he was expected to miss the vote, McCain likely would vote for the final tax reform bill. He supported an earlier version passed by the Senate.

“I believe this legislation, though far from perfect, would enhance American competitiveness, boost the economy, and provide long overdue tax relief for middle class families,” he said in a statement.

It was thought the bill would pass along party lines, thanks to the Republicans’ slim 52-48 vote advantage in the Senate, but McCain’s absence could open the door for Democrats.

A majority of the pressure will likely be focused on Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), who feuded with President Donald Trump earlier this year and only said late last week that he would support the tax bill.

KTAR News’ Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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