In brief
In a significant political move, four centrist Republicans have crossed party lines by endorsing a Democratic-led initiative aimed at extending the enhanced pandemic-era health insurance subsidies for three years. Their collaboration comes in response to a GOP health care bill that does not address the pending expiration of tax credits, leaving millions at risk of soaring premiums. With their support, the initiative now has the necessary 218 signatures to compel a vote in the House.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.The move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a GOP health care bill that does not address the soaring monthly premiums that millions of people will soon endure as the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.Democrats needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on their bill, which would extend the subsidies for three years. Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York signed on Wednesday morning, pushing it to the magic number of 218.
