Nine Republicans voted with Democrats on Wednesday to force a House of Representatives vote on extending Obamacare subsidies.
The House on Wednesday advanced legislation setting up a Thursday evening vote on a three-year extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expired at the end of 2025.
Lawmakers approved a discharge petition, brought by Democrats, by a 221–205 vote.
A discharge petition is a procedural tool in the House of Representatives that allows a majority of members to force a bill out of committee and onto the House floor for a vote. If a measure has been stalled in committee for at least 30 legislative days, any member can file a discharge petition, but it only succeeds if at least 218 House members sign it.
Why It Matters
A lapse in ACA premium credits pushes up the cost of healthcare for millions of Americans.
The Bipartisan Policy Center has projected that a family of four earning $45,000 (now eligible for a $0 premium plan) would pay roughly $1,600 a year for coverage. A 60-year-old couple with income just above 400 percent of the poverty level could see annual premiums rise to about $22,600, consuming roughly a quarter of their income.
ACA Extension Fight
Democrats are pushing to maintain the expanded subsidies first enacted during the pandemic.
The enhanced premium tax credits reduced insurance costs for millions of people by broadening eligibility and increasing the level of financial assistance available.
However, the effort has faced resistance in the Senate. Last month, a similar three-year extension failed to reach the 60 votes needed for passage, despite support from four Republicans—Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan—who voted with Democrats.
President Donald Trump has not backed extending the subsidies, but has urged lawmakers to come to a healthcare agreement.
Which Republicans Voted With Democrats?
- Mike Lawler of New York
- Nick LaLota of New York
- Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania
- Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania
- Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania
- Maria Salazar of Florida
- David Valadao of California
- Thomas Kean of New Jersey
- Max Miller of Ohio.
What People Are Saying
Mike Lawler said on X: “Republicans and Democrats can agree that our healthcare system is broken and must be fixed through a bipartisan approach. Enough of the blame game on both sides. Let’s focus on actually delivering affordable healthcare for Americans.”
Representative Ted Lieu, Democratic Caucus vice chair, said prior to the vote on Wednesday: “The American people want us to work on the affordability crisis.
“We know that healthcare costs are skyrocketing, food prices continue to increase and electricity rates in a number of areas are surging. And what is Donald Trump focused on? In his words ‘running Venezuela.’”
What Happens Next
A vote on the bill itself is expected on Thursday afternoon.
Even if the measure clears the House, it may not have similar success in the Senate, although a bipartisan group of lawmakers is attempting to negotiate a broader health care compromise.
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