WASHINGTON (AP) — A coalition of four centrist Republicans defied Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday, signing a Democratic-led petition that will compel a House vote on extending pandemic-era health insurance subsidies for an additional three years. This bipartisan action occurs as Republican leaders progress with a GOP health care bill that fails to address the impending increase in monthly premiums for millions of Americans. As the tax credits for those purchasing insurance through the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of the year, Democrats gathered the necessary 218 signatures to enable the vote. The Republicans in agreement—Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie, all representing Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler from New York—provided the crucial backing needed to support the extension, demonstrating a significant moment of cross-party collaboration on a pressing issue.
Centrist Republicans Join Democrats to Extend Health Insurance Subsidies
Centrist Republicans Join Democrats to Extend Health Insurance Subsidies
In a surprising move, four centrist Republicans have aligned with Democrats to push for an extension of enhanced health insurance subsidies, prompting a House vote that could impact millions of Americans facing rising insurance costs.
Four centrist Republicans have broken ranks with their party to support a Democratic initiative that seeks to extend pandemic-era health insurance subsidies by three years. This decision comes amid rising concerns over escalating premiums as tax credits from the Affordable Care Act approach expiration. The coalition now enables a House vote, reflecting bipartisan efforts to address health care costs.
