WASHINGTON, USA – The United States Senate voted on Tuesday to begin the debate on repeal and eventual substitution of the Affordable Health Care Act, known as Obamacare, before the pressures of US President Donald Trump.

In the face of a 50-vote draw between Republicans and Democrats, executive vice president Mike Pence had to decide on the vote, as Conservative senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski protested against the motion.

A report published by the Congressional Budget Office points out that the number of people who will be without health insurance if Obamacare is repealed will increase by 17 million for the next year compared to the current law.

After the news was released, Trump considered this Tuesday that the Senate vote is a big step in opening the debate, despite the Republican division on that issue.