Story highlights John McCain gave a speech on the Senate floor Tuesday after the vote

The Arizona Republican said 'We are not the President's subordinates. We are his equals.'

(CNN) Sen. John McCain returned to the Senate on Tuesday to cast one of the final and crucial votes on a procedural step to advance Republicans' plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

McCain, who had been recovering from surgery in Arizona , flew to Washington and was greeted by a standing ovation on both sides of the aisle on the Senate floor when he arrived just minutes before 3 p.m. ET.

He waved and gave the thumbs up to reporters crowded in Capitol's hallways before casting his vote.

"I stand here today looking a little worse for the wear, I am sure," McCain said on the floor, with what appeared to be a stitched up incision over his left eye.

McCain was essential to advance the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could only afford to lose two votes of his 52-member conference in order to pass, and both Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkwoski of Alaska voted against the step. Vice President Mike Pence had to break the 50-50 tie.

Read More