The US House of Representatives has passed legislation to restore tax credits that lower premiums for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats to defy Donald Trump. The 230-196 vote extends the subsidies for three years after they expired at the end of last year.
The measure, which now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, is expected to face revisions. Republican congressman Mike Lawler said he supported sending the bill to the Senate so it could craft a reform package. Experts warn that without the subsidies, premiums for enrollees could roughly double.
Speaker Mike Johnson has opposed the credits, calling the ACA the “Unaffordable Care Act” and citing fraud concerns. However, four Republicans signed a discharge petition forcing a vote, rebuking Johnson. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said a clean extension was preferable to expiration.
Democrats have made affordability a key issue ahead of November’s midterm elections, with House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries stating, “The affordability crisis is not a hoax.” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer added that healthcare costs would be the party’s top priority in 2026.
