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In a significant move, four House Republicans joined Democrats on Wednesday (December 17) to sign a "discharge petition," enabling a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies. This action provides the necessary 218 signatures to force a vote on a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire on December 31. Without the extension, insurance costs are projected to double for approximately 22 million Americans who rely on Obamacare for coverage.
The four Republicans who signed the discharge were Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Lawler, Rob Bresnahan, and Ryan Mackenzie.
The decision by these Republicans to support the petition marks a rebellion against their party leaders, who have been divided on how to address rising healthcare costs. The Senate previously failed to pass a similar extension, with both Republican and Democratic proposals falling short of the required 60 votes.
The Republican-backed plan, authored by Senators Bill Cassidy and Mike Crapo, proposed health savings account payments but did not extend the ACA tax credits. Democrats opposed this plan, citing its lack of provisions to address healthcare premiums and its restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the plan as insufficient for preventing financial strain on those who fall ill.
House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have been advocating for a three-year extension of the subsidies. However, they have also shown openness to bipartisan proposals, such as those led by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Jared Golden, which combine subsidy extensions with policy reforms. These bipartisan efforts have gained traction, with more than ten Republicans endorsing the discharge petitions.
As the deadline approaches, the focus shifts to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has promised a vote on healthcare legislation. The outcome of these votes will determine whether millions of Americans face increased healthcare costs in the coming year.