The U.S. Senate is taking the first steps in eliminating the Affordable Care Act.

A measure was passed early on Thursday on a nonbinding Republican-backed budget measure that eases the way for action on subsequent repeal legislation as soon as next month.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says they must act quickly to bring relief to the American people even though president-elect Donald Trump has not yet come up with a promised replacement program.

An increasing numbers of Republicans are expressing anxiety over obliterating the law without a replacement to show their constituents.