Senate opens 'Obamacare' debate at last but outcome in doubt

Using his constitutional prerogative, Vice President Mike Pence tipped the scale on a tie vote in the Senate last night, and now the debate on Obamacare officially begins.

The tally was 51-50, with two Republicans joining all 48 Democrats voting no: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. 

The Senate’s other health care vote yesterday blocked  a wide-ranging proposal by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to erase and replace much of the statute. The initial amendment bill was voted down 57-43, including nine GOP defectors.

According to Associated Press reporting, it included language by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, letting insurers sell cut-rate policies with skimpy coverage, plus an additional $100 billion to help states ease out-of-pocket costs for people losing Medicaid – a provision sought by Midwestern moderates including Rob Portman, R-Ohio.

Read more from ABC News.