quote [ Senators early Friday narrowly rejected a dramatically slimmed-down Obamacare repeal bill, even after being promised by GOP leaders that the measure would never actually become law.

The strategy was a desperate and ultimately unsuccessful gambit by Republican leaders, who had run out of options after failing to convince their majority to pass legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a promised new healthcare plan.
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But three Republicans — Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John McCain of Arizona — joined all Democrats and Independents in voting against the bill in a 49—51 vote. ]