House Republicans Face Deadline on Health Care Plan Before Holidays

UPDATE: House Republicans are under intense pressure to finalize a health care plan ahead of the holiday recess, with an urgent vote scheduled for next week. Insurance premiums are set to skyrocket for millions of Americans if Congress fails to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that expire on December 31, 2023.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is navigating a fractured party as he proposes a plan that does not extend the ACA subsidies. Instead, it would provide limited funds to help Americans manage their health care costs. This decision has sparked significant debate among Republicans, particularly among those facing tough re-election campaigns in the upcoming midterms, who argue that any health care package must include bipartisan support and an extension of the subsidies.

The clock is ticking, and Republican lawmakers are racing against time to craft a plan that will shield them from Democratic criticism over rising health insurance costs. “The consensus is we need to come up with something,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., following a closed-door GOP meeting on the health care issue.

During the meeting, Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, raised concerns that excluding ACA funding could lead moderates to join forces with Democrats, potentially forcing a vote on a bill through a discharge petition. Such a move would further complicate the GOP’s efforts to maintain unity.

Johnson confirmed plans for a vote just before lawmakers leave for a much-needed two-week break. Among the ideas discussed were expanding health savings accounts and funding cost-sharing reductions. Johnson stated, “We have some low-hanging fruit… things every Republican agrees to; Democrats won’t.”

However, many Republicans recognize that a comprehensive overhaul of Obamacare—a challenge the party has faced for over 15 years—requires more substantial time and agreement. “Health care is unbelievably complicated,” noted Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. “You’re not going to reform and bring down costs overnight.”

A faction of 15 House Republicans, primarily from swing districts, have aligned with a bipartisan initiative led by Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., to extend the ACA subsidies for two years with modifications. However, this group is outnumbered by GOP members who oppose any extension of what they label “Obamacare.”

As the clock nears the subsidy expiration date, tensions rise. Johnson is reportedly “drawing a line in the sand” against extending ACA tax credits, but some Republicans warn that failing to act could have dire electoral consequences. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., emphasized the need to extend the ACA subsidies to protect vulnerable colleagues and maintain the party’s fragile majority, stating, “Letting the money lapse could cost Republicans seats.”

Despite the urgency, any bill passed in the House would still require Senate approval, which is uncertain. Even if successful, a vote may not occur until after the ACA funding expires, as pointed out by Rep. Ted Lieu, a member of Democratic leadership. He criticized Republicans for not prioritizing the issue sooner, warning that without extension, “everyone’s health care premiums skyrocket.”

With the deadline looming, Republicans are facing a critical moment that could define their political future. As tensions rise, the outcome of next week’s vote could have lasting implications for millions of Americans relying on affordable health care. The pressure is on, and all eyes are on the GOP as they prepare for a decisive vote that could impact health care accessibility nationwide.