• Republican bill passes 216-211 with Thomas Massie sole GOP vote against legislation
• Enhanced ACA tax credits expire Dec. 31, threatening premium spikes for 22 million Americans
• Frustrated centrists join Democrats to force future vote on three-year subsidy extension

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — House Republicans on Wednesday passed a partisan package of health care policies designed to provide a conservative alternative to extending the expiring ObamaCare subsidies.

The legislation has little chance of passing the Senate and does not address the cost cliff expected to hit 22 million Americans when enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits sunset on Dec. 31 — infuriating centrist Republicans who have clamored for months to extend the benefits.

Still, even the frustrated Republicans supported the conservative policies, and the bill passed 216-211. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) joined all Democrats in voting against it.

What the Bill Includes

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

The legislation, dubbed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, would expand association health plans, allowing small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together to purchase less regulated coverage. It also funds ACA cost-sharing reductions for low-income enrollees and imposes transparency requirements on pharmacy benefit managers.

Republicans argued the package would help lower premiums for a broader swath of Americans than those enrolled in ACA exchanges, framing it as a “first step” toward comprehensive reform they plan to advance through budget reconciliation in early 2026.

“Democrats are worried about 6 percent of our country. Republicans are worried about 100 percent of our country.”

Moderates Revolt Against Johnson

The vote came hours after four centrist Republicans bucked GOP leadership and signed a Democratic discharge petition to force a vote on extending the subsidies for three years.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.) provided the final signatures needed to reach the 218-vote threshold, joining all 214 House Democrats. The maneuver marked a stunning rebuke of Speaker Mike Johnson, who had repeatedly refused to allow a floor vote on extending the subsidies.

‘Absolute Bullshit’

The four Republicans represent competitive swing districts that could determine House control in next year’s midterms. Lawler erupted Tuesday after GOP leaders rejected their proposals.

“I am pissed for the American people. This is absolute bullshit,” Lawler told reporters. “I think it’s idiotic not to have an up-or-down vote on this issue.”

Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, had pushed compromise legislation to extend subsidies for two years with reforms. Leadership blocked every amendment.

“The only policy worse than a clean three-year extension without reforms is complete expiration without any bridge,” Fitzpatrick said. “Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome.”

Johnson Denies Losing Control

Despite the revolt, Johnson insisted he had not lost control of the House.

“When you have the luxury of having 10 or 15 people who disagree on something, you don’t have to deal with it,” Johnson said. “But when you have a razor-thin margin, as we do, then all the procedures in the book, people think, are on the table.”

Johnson acknowledged the discharge petition will likely force a vote on the Democratic three-year extension when lawmakers return in January.

Premiums Set to Spike

Without action, the enhanced premium tax credits capping ACA plan costs at 8.5 percent of income expire at year’s end. Premiums are projected to more than double for roughly 20 million enrollees.

Democrats blame Republicans for inaction. “What are you doing? Why won’t you use your immense power as the majority to help the American people?” asked Democratic Whip Katherine Clark.

The discharge petition marks the latest instance of moderate Republicans circumventing leadership this year.

Will Johnson allow a vote on a bipartisan compromise before January, or will millions of Americans ring in the new year facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10