A group of moderate House Republicans launched a subsidy rebellion against their own leadership this week, filing a discharge petition to force a vote on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies that expire at year’s end. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick led the effort, gathering GOP colleagues after a tense series of floor negotiations that saw moderates withhold votes before eventually advancing unrelated legislation and then moving directly to file the petition.
The petition, which currently has backing from six Republicans and two Democrats, aims to bring forward Fitzpatrick’s bill extending Affordable Care Act tax credits for two years. Those credits, expanded twice during the pandemic, were designed to broaden access to health coverage. Conservatives argue the enhanced subsidies serve insurance companies more than families and should not continue without substantial reforms. Rep. Don Bacon said, “We know we need a temporary extension of the tax credits — with reforms — and then we can do more serious things,” adding that forcing the issue was necessary because House leaders showed “no impetus” to act.
House GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, engaged moderates in extended discussions as the petition took shape. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie said leadership was preparing positive healthcare reforms but noted that “an extension of the ACA tax credits was not included in that package.” He emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation, saying, “The reason we’re in this mess to begin with is that things were done in a partisan fashion.”
Moderates insist the looming spike in premiums for millions of Americans requires immediate congressional action. Fitzpatrick called the situation “a time-sensitive matter” and “an existential matter for people back home,” explaining that discharge petitions become necessary only after normal legislative avenues fail. Rep. Mike Lawler said the group recognized that, given internal disagreements and the short timeline, “a bill was not going to be put forward.”
Democratic support remains uncertain. House Democrats have their own petition for a three-year extension, and the Republican-led effort cannot advance without full Democratic backing. Rep. Jared Golden stated, “I think they ought to” support it, but Democratic leaders have not signaled a decision.
Speaker Johnson acknowledged the political bind, describing discharge petitions as “typically used as a tool against the majority” while also expressing understanding for moderates navigating competitive districts. “We just can’t get Republican votes on that for lots of reasons,” Johnson said, noting concerns about extending subsidies that Democrats created for “COVID-era limited use.”
As pressure builds, the subsidy rebellion underscores growing divisions within the House GOP conference over healthcare costs. With deadlines approaching and party factions entrenched, lawmakers face narrowing options to address the potential surge in premiums that could hit constituents in January.
