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Discharge Petition Gives Jeffries a Vote
Four GOP moderates signed a discharge petition Wednesday, giving House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries the 218 signatures needed to force a vote on extending the ObamaCare subsidies for three years.
Political Context and Leadership Pushback
The signatures were collected after Republican leadership refused to allow Fitzpatrick and other moderate Republicans an amendment vote on extending the subsidies as part of a separate GOP health-care bill slated for a Wednesday vote. Fitzpatrick, a co-chair of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, had also led an alternative petition to extend the subsidies for two years with some eligibility reforms, but that effort has only 25 signatures.
Leadership’s handling of the issue infuriated moderates on Tuesday. Some moderate Republicans said Democratic leaders should back a bipartisan compromise that includes reforms, noting that a “clean” three-year extension failed in the Senate earlier this month.
Rules and Timing for a Vote
Having 218 signatures does not guarantee an immediate vote. House rules require signatories to wait at least seven legislative days before the matter can be noticed, after which GOP leaders must act within two days. Speaker Mike Johnson could choose to accelerate the process.
Impact on Americans
The enhanced subsidies enacted under former President Biden expire on Dec. 31, which will raise premiums sharply for about 22 million Americans who get coverage through Affordable Care Act exchanges. Republican leaders argue the subsidies affect only 7 percent of Americans and that their proposed reforms-funds for cost-sharing reductions, pharmacy-benefit-manager reforms, and expansion of association health plans-will lower premiums for all.
Key Takeaways
- Four GOP moderates secured the 218 signatures needed to force a vote on extending ObamaCare subsidies.
- The move follows Republican refusal to allow amendment votes on the subsidies.
- The subsidies are set to expire Dec. 31, affecting premiums for 22 million Americans.
The petition marks a significant challenge to Republican leadership and could lead to a vote that reshapes the health-care landscape.
