WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted to move the Senate a step closer to repealing a collapsing Obamacare system. The Senate voted 51-50, with Vice President Pence casting the deciding vote, in favor of a procedural motion to begin debate on the legislation.

“Health insurance costs are exploding, insurers are leaving the market, and Americans have fewer and fewer choices,” Wicker said. “Simply put, Obamacare is failing. I have consistently voted to repeal Obamacare, and I intend to do so again. President Trump is committed to signing into law legislation that aims to undo the harm caused by the current system. I am equally committed to getting that legislation to his desk.

“The Senate will now begin an open debate with plenty of opportunities for Senators – both Republican and Democrat – to offer amendments. I look forward to voting in favor of market-driven proposals to expand Americans’ freedom to purchase health insurance plans that work for them, and to use health savings accounts to pay for health insurance premiums.”

In Mississippi, families are now paying $2,928 more per year in health insurance premiums than they did in 2013 – an increase of 116 percent. Next year, only one insurer is expected to participate in the state’s insurance exchange.