Senate Democrats sought to authorize the Senate to intervene in a federal ACA lawsuit and defend the health law, but a vote on the issue was blocked by Republicans, according to The Hill.
Senate Republicans blocked the vote on Dec. 19, nearly a week after U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor of Texas ruled that the ACA's individual mandate was unconstitutional and the rest of the law is invalid.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., reportedly objected to a vote on authorizing the Senate to intervene in the case, and only one objection from a senator is needed.
Both sides in their comments mentioned the ACA's protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
Mr. Barrasso said, "Regardless of what happens in this legal process, we look to protect people with pre-existing conditions," according to The Hill.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., reportedly said, "If people say we all have sympathy and empathy for people with pre-existing conditions, if you want to protect then ... at least allow us to move forward on a unanimous consent so we can fight and have a fighting chance."
House Democrats are also working to intervene in the case, which could make it to the U.S. Supreme Court on appeal.