UPDATE: House Republicans are in a race against time to finalize a health care plan, with a crucial vote set for next week, just before the holiday recess. The looming deadline of December 31, 2023, threatens to dramatically increase insurance premiums for millions of Americans if subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are not extended.
The party is divided, struggling to agree on a strategy that balances conservative demands with the urgent need to protect vulnerable members facing tough re-election battles. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is pushing a plan that does not extend ACA subsidies but instead seeks to offer funds to help offset health care costs.
“The consensus is we need to come up with something,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., after a closed-door meeting. Tensions are high as the clock ticks down, with Republicans under pressure to shield their party from Democratic criticisms over rising health insurance costs.
Inside the GOP meeting, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, warned that failing to include ACA funding could unite moderates with Democrats to force a vote on a discharge petition, which would sidestep Johnson’s leadership. This potential move could lead to even less favorable outcomes for conservative Republicans.
The stakes are high as health insurance premiums are projected to surge if no action is taken. “Health care is unbelievably complicated,” acknowledged Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach, which the party is struggling to achieve.
Compromise efforts are underway. Recently, Fifteen House Republicans, primarily from swing districts, have backed a bipartisan proposal led by Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., aiming to extend ACA subsidies for two years with specific limitations. However, this faction is outnumbered within the GOP, where many are opposed to extending ACA funding altogether.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., also introduced his own ACA extension plan, which includes input from the Senate and White House. He indicated he might resort to a discharge petition if leadership fails to act, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “That’s going to be our best product we can put together,” Fitzpatrick asserted.
As the deadline approaches, Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., stressed the need for reforms alongside any subsidy extension, warning that allowing the subsidies to lapse could jeopardize the GOP’s majority in the upcoming midterms. “To me, the game plan is get on your knees and pray,” Van Drew remarked, calling for immediate action.
Democratic leaders are poised to leverage the situation, arguing that Republicans should have taken the discharge petition route earlier. “These ACA tax credits expire at the end of this month,” warned Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., suggesting that procedural hurdles could lead to skyrocketing premiums for citizens.
As the clock ticks down to December 31, all eyes are on House Republicans. Will they unify around a plan, or will the divisions lead to further chaos? With the health of millions at stake, the pressure is mounting for swift action.
Stay tuned for live updates as this critical story develops.
