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Conor Coyle Sharecast News
28 Jun, 2017 11:17

Obamacare repeal vote delayed as Republicans tussle

Republicans in the US Senate have delayed a crucial vote on the introduction of healthcare reforms in the country, as some within the party threatened to revolt against the legislation.

Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell announced the decision to postpone the vote until after the 4 July holiday, with President Donald Trump inviting key members of the party to the White House for talks.

The replacement and repeal of Obamacare was one of Trump and the Republicans’ key domestic campaign promises but has faced difficulty in garnering agreement within the party.

"We're going to continue the discussions within our conference on the differences that we have that we're continuing to try to litigate. Consequently, we will not be on the bill this week, but we're still working toward getting at least 50 people in a comfortable place," McConnell said.

Five Republican senators said on Tuesday that they would vote against the bill, with conservatives saying it contains too much government interference and moderates afraid it will adversely affect constituents.

Trump shrugged off the delay on Tuesday however, saying that senators were ‘very close’ to coming to an agreement.

The President also called out the Democrats in the Senate for not aiding the Obamacare repeal, which he described as ‘failed, expensive and dangerous’.

“With ZERO Democrats to help, and a failed, expensive and dangerous ObamaCare as the Dems legacy, the Republican Senators are working hard!” Trump tweeted.

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