U.S. Senate votes to begin Obamacare repeal debate

In an initial win for President Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday narrowly voted to begin debate on a bill to repeal Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act.

The 51-50 vote came after Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote.

But even with that successful step, it is unclear whether Republicans will have the votes they need to uproot the law that has provided health insurance to millions of Americans, reports the New York Times.

The Senate will now begin debating, amending and ultimately voting in the coming days on legislation.

Only two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against the motion.

Sen. John McCain also attended the session and received thunderous applause as he entered the chamber for the first time since being diagnosed with brain cancer to cast the vote.

Senate Republican leaders have so far struggled to fulfill their promise of repealing the 2010 health care law. The House narrowly approved a repeal bill in early May, but only after Republicans overcame their own difficulties in that chamber.

Pitching for Obamacare repeal the President said in a series of tweets, "Big day for HealthCare. After 7 years of talking, we will soon see whether or not Republicans are willing to step up to the plate!(sic)"

"ObamaCare is torturing the American People.The Democrats have fooled the people long enough. Repeal or Repeal & Replace! I have pen in hand (sic).