Collins to oppose Trump circuit court nominee over role in pre-existing conditions suit

Collins, a rare GOP defender of Obamacare, cited in her statement announcing her decision Readler's role in the case as reason for opposing him.

"As the Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Civil Division, Mr. Readler was both a lead attorney and policy advisor in the Department's decision not to defend the Affordable Care Act, including its provisions protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions," she said. "Rather than defend the law and its protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions -- such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease -- Mr. Readler's brief in Texas v. United States argued that they should be invalidated."

Readler faces a key procedural vote at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday when Republicans will try to break a Democratic filibuster of him. It's not clear if any other GOP senators will join her in opposing Readler. When Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the Republican whip, was asked if Republicans would hold together to advance the nominee, he replied, "hopefully we'll have enough."

He later said he expects to get the simple majority needed.

All Democrats are expected to oppose Readler.

"One of the most dangerous decision to come out of the Trump administration in the last two years, was to not defend the Constitutionality of protecting pre-existing conditions in court," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat of New York, at a news conference.

Schumer warned Republicans who argue they support coverage for pre-existing conditions will pay a price on Election Day if they vote for Readler.

"A vote to confirm Mr. Readler is very simply an endorsement of the law suit to eliminate pre-existing conditions," he said.

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