UPDATE: House Republicans are in a race against time to finalize a health care plan before a crucial deadline next week. As premiums are set to soar for millions of Americans on December 31, 2023, due to expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, party leaders are scrambling to reach a consensus.
With rising pressure from voters and looming midterm elections, House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a split within his party over whether to extend these subsidies or introduce alternative measures. This urgent debate comes as insurance costs are projected to spike dramatically if no action is taken.
Inside a closed-door meeting, Republican lawmakers wrestled with varying proposals. Conservatives are advocating for a plan that does not extend ACA subsidies, while moderates warn that failing to do so could alienate voters in swing districts. Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina emphasized a need for a viable solution, stating, “The consensus is we need to come up with something.”
However, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio cautioned that excluding ACA funding could prompt moderates to align with Democrats, potentially forcing a vote on a bipartisan solution via a discharge petition. This would require at least 218 votes in the House, a challenging threshold given the current divisions.
As discussions unfold, Johnson revealed plans to hold a vote on a proposed health package next week, just before lawmakers depart for a two-week recess. During the meeting, ideas floated included expanding health savings accounts and funding cost-sharing reductions. “We have some low-hanging fruit,” Johnson remarked, signaling a focus on immediate, less controversial reforms.
Some Republicans, particularly those in vulnerable districts, have rallied behind bipartisan efforts to extend ACA subsidies. Fifteen House Republicans have co-sponsored a framework led by Reps. Jen Kiggans and Josh Gottheimer, advocating for a two-year extension of the subsidies, albeit with certain reforms.
Despite these initiatives, a significant faction within the GOP remains staunchly opposed to any form of ACA support, prioritizing alternative reforms instead. Johnson’s leadership has indicated a clear preference against extending tax credits, with some lawmakers suggesting that this stance could jeopardize their majority in upcoming elections.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey stressed the risks of allowing subsidies to lapse, warning that it could cost Republicans critical seats in the midterms. “Letting the money lapse is not an option,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for action in light of the December deadline.
As the clock ticks down, the Republican conference remains at a crossroads, with competing visions of health care reform and intense external pressures. Should the party fail to act, the ramifications could be severe, leading to skyrocketing premiums and intensified criticism from Democrats.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the upcoming vote next week, as Republicans strive to solidify a unified front. The stakes are high, and the outcome could have lasting implications for both party dynamics and the health care landscape in America.
As lawmakers prepare for the vote, the urgency to resolve the ACA funding issue grows. With just days left before the deadline, the pressure is mounting on House Republicans to find common ground and deliver a solution that addresses the needs of millions.
