Trump step closer to repealing Obamacare
US President Donald Trump extracted a much-needed victory from Congress as Republicans narrowly pushed a bill through the House of Representatives repealing the landmark health reforms of his predecessor.
The vote of 217-213 could hardly have been closer in the Republican-controlled chamber, highlighting the concerns of many in Trump’s party who fear the bill could strip millions of Americans of their coverage and send costs skyrocketing.
Although the vote brings Republicans a step closer to fulfilling the singular campaign pledge that has united the party in recent years – and helped Trump win the White House – the bill will almost certainly need substantial revisions if it is to pass the Senate.
Mr Trump nevertheless proclaimed victory over the Affordable Care Act, expressing optimism that the controversial new measure will ultimately become law.
“We’re going to get this passed through the Senate. I feel so confident,” he said.
It is a conservative dream years in the making: Ditching Barack Obama’s health-care law, which Republicans blame for sending insurance premiums soaring, while reducing options for millions. Democrats counter Obamacare helped 20 million Americans gain health coverage and saved thousands of lives by barring insurers from denying policies to people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Republicans, including Trump, have campaigned relentlessly on the pledge to dismantle the 2010 reforms.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi painted a bleak picture of looming health-care chaos, saying the vote could cost Republicans their majority in elections next year.
“You vote for this bill, you have walked the plank, from moderate to radical.’’
Two Senate Republicans have already stated their opposition to the current plan.
Others have expressed concern because it rolls back the expansion of Medicaid, the public insurance program for the poor and disabled.
The rollback could deny Medicaid coverage to millions of working poor.