Moderate GOP Revolt Forces January Obamacare Vote

Moderate House Republicans have revolted against Speaker Mike Johnson and joined Democrats to force a vote in January on expiring Obamacare subsidies, Erik Wesson, Maeve Sheehey, and Erin Durkin reported for Bloomberg News.

The pushback follows months of wrangling and comes too late to prevent premium spikes for more than 20 million Americans when the COVID-era subsidies expire on Dec. 31. (Photo: Mike Lawler Facebook) 

The rebellion comes after Johnson blocked swing-district Republicans from holding a floor vote this week on a proposal to tie a one- or two-year extension of the subsidies to cost-saving changes to the program.

“We’ve exhausted nearly every option,” said Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. “We worked in good faith over these past many weeks to come to a compromise bill.”

The pushback follows months of wrangling and comes too late to prevent premium spikes for more than 20 million Americans when the COVID-era subsidies expire on Dec. 31.

However, it will force a House vote before open enrollment ends on Jan. 15.

Pennsylvania Republican Brian Fitzpatrick was the first GOP lawmaker to cross party lines and sign a discharge petition to force a vote on a three-year extension of the premium tax credits without policy overhauls.

He was quickly joined by Lawler and fellow Pennsylvania Republicans Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie. Their support pushed the petition to 218 signatures — a majority of the House — compelling leaders to bring the bill to the floor after a seven-day waiting period.