US Senate rejects latest attempt to repeal Obamacare

Republicans narrowly lose vote to ax former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act

By Fatma Bulbul

ISTANBUL (AA) - U.S. Republicans' latest attempt to repeal former President Barack Obama's healthcare legislation failed early on Friday.

The Senate debate started just before 1.30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Friday morning and produced a 49-51 defeat for the Republicans, with at least three members of the party voting against their colleagues.

Friday’s vote is the third major blow to the GOP in as many days.

A comprehensive amendment that would have repealed and replaced the Affordable Care Act -- popularly known as ‘Obamacare’ -- with a plan created by the Senate's Republican leadership failed on Tuesday and Wednesday to pass in the chamber.

Republicans have long rallied around a “repeal and replace” mantra aimed at Obamacare.

President Donald Trump made efforts to overturn the legislation a centerpiece of his presidential campaign last year.

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