Senate Republicans Vote to Debate Repeal of Obamacare

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and fellow Republicans voted Tuesday to debate the repeal of Obamacare. Vice President Mike Pence cast the deciding vote to break a tie, 51-50.

(Photo: Public Domain/Donald Trump)

In a press conference just moments following the vote, President Trump acknowledged the victory. "I want to congratulate [the] American people because we're going to give you great health care," he said. "We're going to get rid of Obamacare which, frankly, should've been terminated long ago." He also praised Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) who, against his doctor's orders, left his sickbed to cast a vote.

McCain, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer only eleven days before, addressed the chamber floor.

"Our responsibilities are vitally important to [the] continued success of our republic," he said. "I think we can all agree they haven't been overburdened by greatness lately."

During his speech the senator took a jab at the Commander-in-Chief saying, "We aren't the president's subordinates, we are his equal."

McCain said that he would return to Arizona to further treat his illness, but that he has not abandoned his post.

"I have every intention of returning here."