The US House of Representatives has approved a budget resolution that paves the way for the removal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law.
The Republican measure was approved by lawmakers in a 227-198 vote on Friday, only two days after it was passed in the Senate.
Although Democratic and Republican lawmakers voted mostly along party lines, nine Republicans from the centrist and conservative wings of the party teamed up with Democrats to block the resolution.
“This is a critical first step toward delivering relief to Americans who are struggling under this law,” House Speaker Paul Ryan said during House floor debate.
Republicans view Obamacare as an excessive government intrusion into the healthcare market and argue that it is detrimental to economic growth since it burdens businesses. They say they have a plan to replace it but have offered few details.
The absence of a viable replacement for the…