The Senate passed its tax reform bill early Saturday morning and will now go into conference with House lawmakers, who passed their own version of the bill last month, according to CNN.
The tax bill passed through the Senate 51 votes to 49 after a long night of discussion. Every Democrat and Independent voted against the bill, along with Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. Leaders from each legislative body will now meet to reconcile differences between the bills, and their ability to agree on a compromise is not guaranteed.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, only supported the tax bill, which contains a repeal of the ACA's individual insurance mandate, because Senate leaders agreed to pass the Alexander-Murray healthcare stabilization bill and a reinsurance proposal. However, conservative House members have voiced opposition to such plans, and it is unclear how this may affect the reconciliation process.
With Mr. Corker's vote against the bill, Senate Republicans can only afford to lose one more vote and still ensure passage of the bill thanks to a tiebreaking vote from Vice President Mike Pence.