US Senate votes to start debate on replacing Obamacare

By Safvan Allahverdi

WASHINGTON (AA) - Senate Republicans garnered enough votes Tuesday to move forward with efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, producing a 51-50 victory for Republicans and moving one step closer toward their goal of overhauling America’s health care system and abolishing the act popularly known as Obamacare.

Senator John McCain, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just days ago, returned to Washington DC to cast a crucial vote.

Protesters temporarily disrupted the Senate proceedings, shouting “Kill the bill!” and “Shame!" before being escorted out of the chamber by police.

Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins e voted “no” on whether to begin the health care debate, while no Democratic senators voted “yes”.

“We had two Republicans that went against us, which is very sad, I think. It’s very, very sad for them. But I’m very, very happy with the result,” said President Donald Trump, speaking at a press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

"I want to congratulate the American people because we’re going to give you great health care and we’re going to get rid of Obamacare," Trump added.

Senate Republicans' latest version of a health care bill to repeal Obamacare that was introduced by former President Barack Obama and signed into law in 2010, would leave 27 million Americans uninsured by 2020, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said last week.

Republicans failed to find enough votes last week to pass their bill after two members said they would vote against the measure.

Trump had earlier urged Republicans to reach an agreement before Congress breaks for recess in August.