Senate Democrats lost a long shot battle to stop the Trump administration's expansion of short-term health care plans.
The measure was one vote short of a majority. It tied 50-50, with Republican Sen. Susan Collins voting in line with the Democrats.
The Trump administration's short-term health care plans were promoted as a way to provide cheaper health care coverage. But Democrats oppose the plans because they don't follow Obamacare mandates, which means they don't have to cover pre-existing conditions or provide comprehensive coverage
The measure wasn't likely to pass, and even if it did, it didn't have a good chance of making past the Republican-led House. But bringing up the vote potentially serves another purpose: forcing Republicans to publicly acknowledge their views on the less expansive health care plans right ahead of midterms.
Open enrollment for the plans began this month.
Additional reporting by Newsy affiliate CNN.
