The Senate on Wednesday rejected a Democratic effort to roll back a Trump administration rule that allows states to ignore parts of ObamaCare.
Senators voted 43-52 on the resolution, falling short of the simple majority needed to pass the chamber.
Sen. Susan Collins
Susan Margaret CollinsTrump surrogate on election legal challenges: 'Hopefully Amy Coney Barrett will come through' Biden win would leave GOP poised for 2024 comeback The Hill's Morning Report - Biden inches closer to victory MORE (R-Maine) was the only Republican to vote for the resolution.
Democrats wanted to overturn a Trump administration rule that makes it easier for states to opt out of certain ObamaCare requirements and prioritize cheaper, less-inclusive plans than ones offered under ObamaCare.
Members of the party have termed the plans “junk insurance” because companies can refuse to cover people with pre-existing conditions.
“These are nothing but a boon to health insurance companies. For nearly three years Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration have sabotaged Americans’ health care,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
Chuck SchumerHarry Reid rips Lindsey Graham over Trump: 'He went to the dark side' after McCain died Democrats on edge as Biden-Trump fight nears end Reestablishing American prosperity by investing in the 'Badger Belt' MORE (D-N.Y.) said ahead of the vote.
Democrats view health care legislation as a political vulnerability for Republicans after many voted for an unsuccessful attempt to repeal ObamaCare in 2017.
Democrats made protecting health care coverage a key part of their strategy to win back the House in 2018. They also view Wednesday’s vote as an opportunity to squeeze GOP senators in key 2020 Senate races including Collins, Cory Gardner
Cory GardnerChamber-endorsed Dems struggle on election night OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Down ballot races carry environmental implications | US officially exits Paris climate accord The Hill's Campaign Report: Election mess drags on l Trump campaign suing to stop vote counts in Mich., Penn. l Republicans outperforming expectations in House, Senate MORE (Colo.) and Martha McSally
Martha Elizabeth McSallyDemocrats frustrated, GOP jubilant in Senate fight Chamber-endorsed Dems struggle on election night Overnight Defense: How members of the Armed Services committees fared in Tuesday's elections | Military ballots among those uncounted in too-close-to-call presidential race | Ninth US service member killed by COVID-19 MORE (Ariz.).
“Senate Republicans never miss an opportunity to do exactly the wrong thing for their constituents on health care, and this vote will be no exception,” Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Stewart Boss said in a statement.
Democrats are able to force a vote on the Trump administration guidance under the Congressional Review Act. However, they face a steep climb to picking up four GOP senators needed for the resolution to pass after a similar healthcare vote failed last year largely along party lines.
Republicans and the Trump administration have repeatedly said they will continue to protect people with preexisting conditions, while simultaneously advocating for ways to end ObamaCare.
A federal circuit court in New Orleans is expected to rule in the coming days or weeks on an administration-backed lawsuit to overturn the entire health care law.
But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellThe Memo: Trump hits out as tide moves for Biden Senate Republicans sit quietly as Trump challenges vote counts George Floyd's brother: Biden 'deserves a chance to prove himself worthy' MORE (R-Ky.) knocked Democrats on Wednesday, arguing they were playing politics.
“Democrats' resolution has zero chance of becoming law. This is just another political messaging exercise with no path to making an impact,” McConnell said.
