GOP/HEALTHCARE/OBAMACARE(ACA): “Senate Republicans on Tuesday [725-17] backed a motion that allows lawmakers to launch into debate over a health-overhaul bill, a significant victory for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and for President Donald Trump, who stepped in to pressure Republicans after it appeared they were failing in their bid to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
The 51-50 vote sets the stage for hours of politically tricky debate, and numerous complex amendments, on Republicans’ seven-year quest to topple most of the current health law and possibly replace it with a GOP plan. After Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the motion, Vice President Mike Pence broke the tie.
A final vote on the Senate health bill could come later this week.
Tuesday’s vote was a procedural step that allows debate to begin, rather than a win for any particular measure. But it is a coup for Mr. McConnell (R., Ky.), who three times delayed a vote as Republicans dissented from various provisions in the proposed legislation.”
-Stephanie Armour, “Senate Votes to Begin Debate on Health-Care Bill With Pence Breaking Tie,” The Wall Street Journal online, July 25, 2017 03:14pm