Republicans Vote To Move Forward With Plan To Repeal Obamacare

Since Trump has taken office, Republicans have not been able to decide whether they plan to repeal Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) and if so, what they plan to replace it with. On Tuesday, they were finally able to make a decision, voting to move ahead with their plans to debate over repealing Obamacare.

Sen. John McCain, who ironically had a brain tumor removed, paid for by insurance, cast the 50th vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted against the measure. The votes were tied 50-50 with Mike Pence delivering the tie breaker in favor of a repeal.

All Democrats voted against the measure.

Now it’s up to Republicans to come up with a policy to replace Obamacare. They can vote for a repeal-only bill, which means get rid of the policy without anything in place, or they can vote on a “skinny” repeal, which would do away with certain penalties of the ACA like penalties for not having healthcare and penalties for employers not offering it.

Trump said he believes that Republicans will come up with a plan that is “really, really wonderful” for Americans. “I think you’re going to have a great health care,” said Trump. “This is the beginning of the end for the disaster known as Obamacare.”