U.S. Republicans' latest attempt to repeal former President Barack Obama's healthcare legislation failed early on Friday.
The Senate debate started just before 1.30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Friday morning and produced a 49-51 defeat for the Republicans, with at least three members of the party voting against their colleagues.
Friday's vote is the third major blow to the GOP in as many days.
A comprehensive amendment that would have repealed and replaced the Affordable Care Act -- popularly known as 'Obamacare' -- with a plan created by the Senate's Republican leadership failed on Tuesday and Wednesday to pass in the chamber.
Republicans have long rallied around a "repeal and replace" mantra aimed at Obamacare.
President Donald Trump made efforts to overturn the legislation a centerpiece of his presidential campaign last year.
