The House of Representatives voted to “repeal and replace” the American Health Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare, by 217 votes to 213 on Thursday.
“They’re not even doing it for the party,” President Donald Trump said as he celebrated with Republican House leaders and rank-and-file members in the Rose Garden at the White House, according to NBC News. “They’re doing it for this country because we suffered with Obamacare.”
The legislative victory comes just a few days after Trump’s 100th day in office.
“[I’ve] only been a politician for a short period of time. How am I doing? Am I doing okay? I’m president. Heh! Hey, I’m president!” Trump asked the people in the garden.
“Welcome to the beginning of the end of Obamacare,” Vice President Mike Pence told Republicans.
The new American Health Care Act — which guts key points of Obamacare including coverage subsidies, Medicaid expansion and the mandate that Americans buy insurance or receive a fine — is now being passed on to the Senate where the plan is expected to go through some changes.
The House chamber erupted in applause after voting hit the 216 mark, with protests from Democrats chanting “shame” and singing “Na na na na, Na na na na, Hey hey, goodbye”.
The Asian American community on Twitter chimed in and echoed the same sentiments — even conservative commentator and blogger Michelle Malkin doesn’t support the bill, so you know it’s bad.
Finally, Americans of all political affiliations are united…in contempt for Beltway crapweasel Paul Ryan.#VoteNoAHCA
Disgraceful: Republicans in the House just voted to strip 24M Americans of their health care. I will do everything in my power to fight it. https://t.co/nEA10fBlEz
#Trumpcare hurts veterans, seniors, women, people w/ pre-existing conditions, kids. Only way it could be worse is if it also killed puppies. https://t.co/DaGRMiabaz
#TrumpCare squeaked through the House by four votes. Now we will fight until the end and kill the bill in the Senate. Lives are at stake. pic.twitter.com/EezrmXYKCo
217 Republicans just voted for a bill they know will force millions of sick Americans into bankruptcy, or worse. We will remember. Shame! pic.twitter.com/W78LBhtvhg
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