Lacking the votes to pass the American Health Care Act, House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled the bill rather than see members of his own party usher in its defeat.
According to reports, President Donald Trump asked that the bill be pulled.
After days of late night negotiations, GOP leadership could not get the 216 votes needed for the bill to pass the House and move on to the Senate.
While all 193 Democrats were expected to vote against the bill, it was expected to go down due to lack of support from conservatives and some moderates among the 237 Republicans.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and leaders gave concessions in the bill to conservatives on moving the choice for essential benefits coverage to the states, but apparently it wasn't enough for Freedom Caucus members who wanted a full repeal of what they called "Obamacare Lite."
The Rules Committee cleared the bill out of committee by a vote of 9-3 Friday morning. House members entered into four hours of debate but the rules prohibited motions from the floor.
President Trump had said Thursday this was a do-or-die vote on the bill. If voted down, the Affordable Care Act would continue, he said.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
