GOP Moderates Revolt Against Leadership Over Letting Obamacare Subsidies Expire
WASHINGTON — A growing revolt among House Republicans erupted Wednesday after GOP leaders advanced a health care bill that omits a clean extension of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, drawing sharp public criticism from swing-district lawmakers who warn millions of Americans face steep insurance cost hikes in 2026.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), whose Hudson Valley district is among the most competitive in the country, told reporters he was “pissed for the American people” and called the decision to let the subsidies expire “absolute bulls——,” according to video aired by CNN.
Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), who did not sign onto a Democratic procedural maneuver but criticized GOP leadership privately, called the situation “a failure of leadership,” echoing frustration among moderate Republicans facing reelection pressure.
The subsidies — expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic and later extended by Democrats — are scheduled to expire December 31, 2025, a move analysts say could cause double-digit premium increases for millions of ACA marketplace enrollees beginning next year.
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On Wednesday, four vulnerable House Republicans broke ranks and joined a Democratic discharge petition led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), a rare maneuver that forces a floor vote on a three-year extension of the subsidies despite opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
The Republican signatories include:
Mike Lawler (NY-17)
Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)
Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)
Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07)
GOP leadership instead pushed a conservative-backed health package focused on cost controls and regulatory changes but without addressing the looming subsidy cliff, prompting warnings from moderates that the party risks backlash in suburban and swing districts.
House Republicans are expected to vote on the GOP bill later Wednesday. While the discharge petition has reached the required 218 signatures, a final vote on the subsidy extension may not occur until after Congress adjourns for the holidays, raising uncertainty about whether lawmakers will act before the year-end deadline.
The dispute has intensified internal GOP divisions as Democrats argue the standoff threatens coverage affordability for millions and could shape the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
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