Donald Trump's Obamacare repeal bid suffers major Senate setback
The US President claims those who voted against the measure to roll back the legislation have "let the American people down".
The US Senate has rejected a move to repeal parts of the Obamacare health law, dealing a serious setback to Donald Trump.
Senator John McCain, recently diagnosed with brain cancer, was among three Republicans who joined all the Democrats to narrowly reject the key amendment by 51 votes to 49.
The so-called "skinny repeal" would have overturned the mandate that most individuals get health insurance and suspended a requirement on large companies to provide coverage to their employees. It would also have delayed a tax on medical devices.
The defeat effectively ends the Republican Party's seven-year bid to dismantle the 2010 Affordable Care Act, introduced by the US President's predecessor, Barack Obama.
Following the tense vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said: "This is clearly a disappointing moment.
"I regret that our efforts were simply not enough this time."
Mr Trump had made replacing Obamacare a key pledge in his successful campaign for the White House.
Responding on Twitter, he said those who voted against the repeal move had "let the American people down".
The vote was always going to be close after Senate Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski signalled they would oppose the measure.
Vice President Mike Pence had attended the chamber at around midnight, in case his vote was needed in the event of a tie.
However, he did not get the chance after Mr McCain, whose war hero status was mocked by Mr Trump in 2015, refused to bow to pressure and back the legislative changes.
He was clapped by several Democrats when he cast his "no" vote.
Speaking later, Mr McCain said: "From the beginning, I have believed that Obamacare should be repealed and replaced with a solution that increases competition, lowers costs, and improves care for the American people.
"The so-called 'skinny repeal' amendment the Senate voted on today would not accomplish those goals.
"While the amendment would have repealed some of Obamacare's most burdensome regulations, it offered no replacement to actually reform our healthcare system and deliver affordable, quality healthcare to our citizens."
He urged a bipartisan approach that would "produce a bill that finally delivers affordable healthcare for the American people".
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said: "We are not celebrating. We are relieved.
"Let's turn the page and work together to improve our healthcare system."
By;Worldcoinsmoney.blogspot.com
UNITED STATES.
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