U.S. Senate delays healthcare vote as McCain recovers from surgery

U.S. Senator John McCain looks on during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan July 4, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammad Ismail

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate will delay its consideration of healthcare legislation while Arizona Republican Senator John McCain recuperates from surgery, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on Saturday.

McCain's absence cast doubt on whether the Senate would be able to pass the legislation to dismantle and replace Obamacare. McConnell needs 50 "yes" votes for passage in a chamber the Republicans control by a 52-48 margin.