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Obamacare had been unpopular for at least the past four years, opinion surveys shows, suggesting that their move to change the law would draw public support. But the Senate action comes amid increased public backing for the 2010 health law—as well as for the idea that the government should play a role in helping people obtain health insurance. That is one reason that moving an overhaul of the law through Congress has been so balky for the GOP. (Chinni, 7/25)

Ahead of a Senate vote to begin debate over health care, President Trump pressed Republicans on Monday afternoon to fulfill their seven-year promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, surrounded by families whom he characterized as “victims” of the law.“ For 17 years, Obamacare has wreaked havoc on the lives of innocent, hard-working Americans,” he mistakenly said of the law, passed in 2010, before listing “terrific reforms” in the Senate bill. Here’s an assessment. (Qui, 7/25)

Senate efforts have failed so far for a variety of reasons. But here’s one that hasn’t yet been explored: local television news. That drumbeat of coverage in their home districts during Senate debates may have made some GOP senators think twice about angering constituents — including those of their own party. (Fowler and Gollust, 7/26)