US Senate rejects partial Obamacare repeal, bitter blow to Trump

Two centrist GOP women and Sen. John McCain of Arizona teamed up to sink an already scaled-back effort to dismantle the 2010 health care law.

In a big political blow to US President Donald Trump and the Republican party, the US Senate on Friday rejected the partial repeal of Obamacare.

According to US media Politico, two centrist GOP women and Sen. John McCain of Arizona teamed up to sink an already scaled-back effort to dismantle the 2010 health care law.

McCain and GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska teamed up with all 48 Democrats reject the Republicans' so-called skinny repeal plan, tanking the measure by a vote of 49-51. The Senate GOP had already pretty much shunned the proposal, viewing it mostly as a route to go into negotiations with the House.

With the rejection of partial repeal of Obamacare, Trump has failed to fulfil his campaign promise.

The legislation was dubbed "skinny bill" because only amendments in the few areas where there was consensus put to vote. It was presented on Thursday night by the Senate Republican majority leader, Mitch McConnell, reports Efe news.

(With agency inputs)