The Senate voted to begin debate on a bill to repeal major parts of Obamacare on Tuesday, with Vice President Mike Pence breaking the 50-50 tie in the chamber.
Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), who announced last week he had been diagnosed with brain cancer, made a dramatic return to the chamber to cast a critical vote in favor of advancing debate; had he not been there, the measure would have fallen short by a single vote.
All 48 Democrats voted against beginning debate, as did Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska). As the amendment process unfolds, it is unclear how a final version of a health care bill will appear.
President Donald Trump has made a strong push for GOP lawmakers to keep their promise to repeal Obamacare, which they have consistently made since 2010. Trump gave a speech Monday castigating the law, and he tweeted Tuesday that it was up to Republicans to "step up to the plate" and vote for repeal.
Big day for HealthCare. After 7 years of talking, we will soon see whether or not Republicans are willing to step up to the plate!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017
ObamaCare is torturing the American People.The Democrats have fooled the people long enough. Repeal or Repeal & Replace! I have pen in hand.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017
The American people have waited long enough. There has been enough talk and no action for seven years. Now is the time for action! pic.twitter.com/VdTiYL0Ua7
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2017
The House of Representatives passed an Obamacare repeal bill in May called the American Health Care Act.
