GOP controls federal government but struggles to govern

The divisions cost the party its best chance to fulfill a seven-year promise to undo Obama's Affordable Care Act and cast doubt on whether the Republican-led Congress can do the monumental — the first overhaul of the nation's tax system in more than 30 years — as well as the basics — keeping the government open at the end of next month, raising the nation's borrowing authority later this year and passing the 12 spending bills for federal agencies and departments.

While the anti-establishment bloc that grew out of the tea party's rise helped the Republicans win majorities in Congress in 2010 and 2014, the internal divide, complicated further by Trump's independence, threatens the GOP's ability to deliver on other promises.

The legislation's provision to repeal essential health benefits such as maternity care and emergency services was designed to appeal to hard-line conservatives who don't think the government should be in the health care business.

The irony of the outsider president is that both the health care debate and Trump's proposed budget cuts to domestic programs from Appalachia to the inner cities reminded many Americans that government can do some good.

Ryan pledged that the House would return to its campaign agenda, including legislation aimed at strengthening U.S.-Mexican border security, increasing spending on the military and public works, while also reining in the budget deficit.

The GOP has to move beyond the defeat, with midterm elections next year and the historic disadvantage the president's party typically faces in holding seats.