Senate defeats health care repeal

U.S. Senators on Wednesday defeated a bill to repeal last year's landmark healthcare bill, as Republican party members came up short against the Democratic majority. The vote was 47-51.

The Senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said his party kept its campaign promise to vote to repeal the law. He said [w]e intend to continue to fight for the repeal.

House Republican leader John Boehner R-OH said the need for repeal continues to become more clear, whether it's in the courts or the court of public opinion. He said the debate had just begun.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid D-NV said the times for fighting old battles is behind us. Republicans should work with us to create the jobs of the future and move our country forward.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA said she commended Senate Democrats for protecting patients rights and for joining us in focusing on jobs.

McConnell said Republicans would continue to push in other healthcare related legislative areas, including passing laws that would reduce frivolous medical malpractice suits and allow for the selling of health insurance across state lines.