On Jan. 11, 2017, the U.S. Senate voted on a new bill regarding the ACA, with discussions extending into the early morning of Jan. 12, 2017, as reported by NPR.
Here are seven things you need to know:
1. Although not repealing the ACA, the 51-to-48 vote paves the way for Republicans to repeal President Barack Obama's healthcare law.
2. The Senate passed the budget resolution, which calls for the repeal of significant ACA components via a budget reconciliation.
3. A budget reconciliation is safe from filibuster, so the Senate was able to pass the bill with a simple majority instead of 60 votes, according to NPR.
4. If signed into law, Congress could repeal ACA components related to how the government spends money and taxes individuals.
5. On Jan. 13, 2017, the House of Representatives will vote on the bill.
6. With House approval, Senate and House committees would draft how the budget committee should approach repeal of ACA components. The House and Senate would then vote on the repeal legislation, requiring a simple majority for passage, sending the bill along to President-elect Donald Trump.
7. Although in agreement on wanting to repeal the ACA, Republican factions are forming in terms of the 'repeal and replace' timeline.