The Senate rejected a bill to undo Obama-era health care reforms in a 55-45 vote Wednesday, just hours after the White House expressed “excitement about the progress” made to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
What can be expected from the health care bill? More debating. Senate leaders are expected to have 20 hours debate before a final vote.
When the debate is done, the Senate moves on to what is unofficially called the "Vote-a-Rama," possibly as early as Thursday. During this period, senators from both parties can offer an unlimited number of amendments which are voted on without debate.
But there are limits: Their amendments have to be relevant to the bill and they can’t increase the deficit. They also can’t use the process to filibuster a bill by speaking indefinitely.
What's the end game? It’s not certain, but the most prominent idea being floated right now is a "skinny repeal" bill that would eliminate Obamacare’s requirements that individuals buy insurance and employers provide it, along with the law’s medical device tax.
