Washington, January 6 (RHC)-- U.S. Republicans in the newly sworn-in 115th Congress are moving swiftly to repeal the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law.  By a vote of 51 to 48, the Senate approved a procedural measure clearing a way for a budget resolution that could repeal major sections of the law.  The charge was led by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who admitted that Republicans have not yet decided how to replace the Affordable Care Act. 

On Thursday, President Obama made a rare trip to Capitol Hill, where he told minority Democrats not to help Republicans pass replacement measures he called "Trumpcare."  At the White House, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the Republican plan would have devastating consequences, warning that up to 22 million people could lose their health insurance if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. 

U.S. Senate Republicans are seeking to end billions of dollars in federal subsidies to states that have expanded Medicaid, as well as subsidies for private health coverage through health insurance exchanges.  Some provisions -- like a ban on denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions -- would likely be unaffected by a repeal.