A popular former Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, is expected to announce a bid this summer. The Republicans are banking on an endorsement by President Trump to clear their field.
The billionaire and former Trump adviser suggested that if the domestic policy bill passed, he would swiftly form a new "America Party" and back primary challenges to Republicans.
The Senate held an hourslong vote-a-thon on the legislation as Republicans continued to grasp for the support to pass President Trump's signature legislation.
On Monday, Senate Republicans voted on several proposed amendments to the measure in an attempt to gain the support of at least a half-dozen Republicans that remained undecided. If just four Republicans voted against Trump's controversial domestic policy plan, the bill would fail to pass.
