Frustrated GOP Centrists Back ACA Vote, Siding With House Democrats

A handful of frustrated House Republicans signed on to a Democratic measure to force a vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, over the staunch objections of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.).

Rep. Mike Lawler (R., N.Y.) joined three Republicans from Pennsylvania swing districts—Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie—in signing a petition led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.) that would force a vote on a three-year extension of the subsidies. The Republicans acted after the House GOP blocked votes on compromise measures aimed at extending and trimming the subsidies, a response to GOP concerns about abuse of the system.

The enhanced subsidies expire at the end of the year. With the GOP signatures on the discharge petition, Jeffries now has the 218 needed to force a vote, which wouldn't likely occur until next year.