Johnson says he’s ‘not ready to vote for’ healthcare bill

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., says he’s “not ready to vote for” the Senate’s healthcare proposal.

In a statement released Thursday, Johnson joined Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas; Rand Paul, R-Ky.; and Mike Lee, R-Utah, in saying they’re open to more negotiation and obtaining additional information before bringing the bill to the floor.

“There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current healthcare system, but it does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their healthcare costs,” the four said in their statement.

The announcement jeopardizes passage of the bill as Republican lawmakers hold 52 seats in the chamber. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., previously said he hoped to hold a vote on the bill next week.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., also criticized the bill.

“The people of Wisconsin did not send me to Washington to take people’s healthcare away,” she said in a statement. “I am going to fight to protect the healthcare people have today and I will continue my work to make it more affordable, not more costly.”