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Senate rejects repeal and replace

Vote on initial amendment fails 57-43 with nine GOP defectors

WASHINGTON — Prodded by President Donald Trump, a bitterly divided Senate voted, at last, Tuesday to move forward with the Republicans’ long-promised legislation to repeal and replace “Obamacare.” There was high drama as Sen. John McCain returned to the Capitol for the first time after being diagnosed with brain cancer to cast a decisive “yes” vote.

The final tally was 51-50, with Vice President Mike Pence, exercising his constitutional prerogative, breaking the tie after two Republicans joined all 48 Democrats in voting “no.”

When the Senate voted Tuesday evening on the bill’s initial amendment, it underscored how hard it will be for the chamber’s divided Republicans to pass a sweeping replacement of Obama’s law.

By 57-43 — including nine GOP defectors — it blocked a wide-ranging proposal by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to erase and replace much of the statute. It included language by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, letting insurers sell cut-rate policies with skimpy coverage, plus an additional $100 billion to help states ease out-of-pocket costs for people losing Medicaid — a provision sought by Midwestern moderates including Rob Portman, R-Ohio.

On the day’s opening vote to begin debate the vote was held open at length before McCain, 80, entered the chamber.

Greeted by cheers, he smiled and dispensed hugs — but with the scars from recent surgery starkly visible on the left side of his face.

At the White House earlier, after senators voted to consider the bill, Trump wasted no time in declaring a win and slamming the Democrats anew.

“I’m very happy to announce that, with zero of the Democrats’ votes, the motion to proceed on health care has just passed. And now we move forward toward truly great health care for the American people,” Trump said. “This was a big step. I want to thank Senator John McCain — very brave man.”

Trump continued to celebrate the vote at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio that doubled as a victory lap. “We’re now one step closer to liberating our citizens from this “Obamacare” nightmare and delivering great health care for the American people.”

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