House passes bill to extend Health Care subsidies, defying GOP leaders

The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday to extend expired health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, despite opposition from Republican leadership. The measure passed 230-196 after 17 Republicans joined all Democrats in support.

The vote came after a small group of GOP lawmakers used a rare procedural move to force the bill to the floor, bypassing House Speaker Mike Johnson. The bill would extend enhanced tax credits – first created during the COVID-19 pandemic- for three more years to help Americans afford health insurance.

Supporters say the subsidies are critical as many families face rising health care costs. Democrats argued that without action, millions of people could lose coverage. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would increase the federal deficit by about $80 billion over 10 years but would also expand health insurance coverage to millions of people over the next few years.

Republican leaders opposed the bill, saying it focuses too narrowly on Affordable Care Act enrollees and could increase fraud. Some GOP lawmakers argue Congress should instead lower health care costs for everyone, not just those using the ACA marketplace.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain. A bipartisan group of senators is working on a compromise that could include income limits, modest premium payments, and expanded health savings accounts.

The vote highlights growing political pressure over health care affordability and exposes divisions within the Republican Party, as lawmakers from swing districts broke with leadership to support the measure. Democrats say the issue will be central to upcoming elections as voters grapple with rising insurance premiums.