Four GOP Lawmakers Sign Democratic-Backed Petition to Extend ACA Premium Tax Credits
Four Republican lawmakers—Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York—have signed a Democratic-backed petition to force a floor vote on a bill that would extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits for three years.
This move comes after the House GOP advanced a healthcare package that excludes these subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year, potentially causing higher premiums for many Americans.
Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, needed and secured at least 218 signatures to push the floor vote, which could take place as early as January under House rules.
However, many Republicans, including members of leadership such as Johnson, oppose the extension of these credits. Some moderate Republicans had sought a temporary extension that included reforms or income caps, but House leadership aligned with the conservative faction that opposes the subsidies.
The GOP healthcare package focuses instead on expanding insurance options for small businesses and the self-employed. Efforts to attach temporary extensions of the subsidies to this package were denied, and amendments and testimony from the petition signatories were rejected by party leadership.
Representative Fitzpatrick described the situation as being forced by House leadership and criticized the rejection of amendments, arguing that a bridge extension is preferable to allowing the subsidies to expire without any continuation.
