The House of Representatives on Thursday delayed a vote on legislation to begin dismantling Obamacare as President Donald Trump and leaders in Congress labored to find enough support among fellow Republicans for their version of a new federal health care policy, according to a senior House Republican aide.
The delay marks a setback for Trump, who is seeking his first major legislative victory and who campaigned on a promise to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's landmark 2010 law, formally known as the Affordable Care Act.
Conservative Republicans objected to the bill because they thought it too similar to Obamacare while moderates thought it was too hard on their constituents.
The Republicans have a majority in the House but because of united Democratic opposition, can afford to lose only 21 Republican votes. As of Thursday morning, NBC News said that 30 Republicans were planning to vote "no" or leaning that way.
U.S. Senators have been informed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that a vote on a Republican repeal and replacement of Obamacare might not be held in the House of Representatives before Monday, according to a senior Senate aide.
Even if it does get approval from the House, the legislation faces a potentially tough fight in the Republican-controlled Senate.