On Thursday, the House narrowly passed the American Health Care Act, 217-213. Every Democrat voted against the GOP health-care bill, as did 20 Republicans. The 217 affirmative Republican votes was just above the bare minimum amount of votes that could pass the bill.
The AHCA passed after a lengthy struggle by Republican leadership to win over moderates who were concerned the bill threatened coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, while hardline conservatives worried the bill didn't go far enough to repeal ObamaCare. Republicans initially tried to put the bill to a floor vote in March, but it was pulled by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) after it became clear it would not pass.
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.