Republican lawmakers in the US Senate have taken the first step to repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s signature health insurance program by passing a new budget resolution.
The measure was passed by a 51-48 vote on Wednesday in the upper chamber of Congress. The resolution allows Republicans to replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, with a plan of their own.
The bill now awaits approval by the House of Representatives, before Republicans can send the final bill to President-elect Donald Trump’s desk after his January 20 inauguration.
“The Senate just took an important step toward repealing and replacing Obamacare by passing the resolution that provides the legislative tools necessary to actually repeal this failed law while we move ahead with smarter health care policies,” said Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, once the main supporters of the
Republicans criticize Obamacare as an excessive government intrusion…