The legislation still must be approved by the House, which passed a different version in October. The White House said Wednesday that Obama will veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

Democrats say the 2010 Affordable Care Act — better known as Obamacare — has helped 17.6 million Americans gain medical coverage and has stopped insurance companies from refusing to insure patients with pre-existing conditions.

“Everybody knows (repeal) is a gesture in futility,” said Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., before the vote. “Let’s move on from repeal and start making the Affordable Care Act work even better for the American people.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Obamacare has raised health care costs, limited patients’ ability to choose their doctors, and hurt the already struggling middle class.