US Senate rejects measure to repeal much of Obama-era health care legislation

SPH Brightcove Video
Senate Republicans' healthcare plan to repeal and replace Obamacare failed to get the 60 votes needed for approval on Tuesday night although the debate is set to continue.

WASHINGTON (NYTIMES) - The Senate has rejected a measure that would have repealed major parts of the health care law but would not have provided a replacement, signalling that the "clean repeal" bill that conservatives have embraced cannot get through Congress.

The vote, 45-55, underscored the bind that Republican leaders have found themselves in. Seven Republicans voted against the measure, showing that repealing the health law without an immediate replacement lacks crucial support among Republicans.

But a more comprehensive measure that would have repealed major parts of the law with a ready replacement also came up short on Tuesday (July 25) night.

With neither approach viable, Senate Republican leaders may have no choice but to fall back on a third choice: Push a far more limited measure that repeals parts of the health care law, such as its mandate that most people have insurance and a tax on medical devices, but leaves most of former president Barack Obama's signature health law in place.

Senators would then take their narrow bill into negotiations with the House, which passed a comprehensive measure to repeal and replace the health care law.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.