Four Republican representatives have joined forces with Democrats to push for a crucial vote on a bill designed to extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Brian Fitzpatrick and Mike Lawler of Pennsylvania joined fellow Pennsylvanian Ryan Mackenzie and New Yorker Mike Lawler. Combined, their support enabled Signing Day petition to gather the necessary 218 signatures required to force a House of Representatives vote on the legislation.
The petition dovetails with ongoing campaigns to get Congress to extend premium tax credits for ACA health plans for three more years. The House could vote on this ungainly subsidy bill as early as January, not least because that chamber’s peculiar and complicated procedural rules might allow that. Fitzpatrick has vocally advocated for compromise on healthcare policy. In stark contrast, Turner didn’t mince words about the current administration’s leadership and direction.
“As I’ve stated many times before, the only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge,” – Brian Fitzpatrick
The new bill would use those savings for five-year temporary extensions of the subsidies, while making reforms like income limits on subsidy beneficiaries. This shift is intended to address concerns over increasing healthcare spending, which has made many worry moderate Republicans jittery. Vocal opponents — like former NBA star and education advocate Kevin Johnson and President Donald Trump — have stood against the extension of these credits.
Kevin Johnson previously discussed the importance of allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on significant bills. Back from left to right, Reps. Fitzpatrick and Lawler campaigned hard to get a short-term extension of the subsidies inserted into the bill. House leadership rejected their amendment.
Hakeem Jeffries has seized the mantle and brought the Democratic caucus together toward confronting these challenges directly and aggressively. They’re pressing on all sides to order a vote on the subsidy bill. Fitzpatrick came out blazing against the leadership. He denounced their refusal to allow his requests for a simple majority floor vote on what he called a compromise solution.
“Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome,” – Brian Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick expressed his commitment to making sure that his constituents have a voice in the development of key healthcare policies.
“Our only request was a floor vote on this compromise, so that the American People’s voice could be heard on this issue. That request was rejected. Then, at the request of House leadership I, along with my colleagues, filed multiple amendments, and testified at length to those amendments,” – Brian Fitzpatrick
As the debate surrounding the subsidy bill continues, both parties are poised for discussions that could shape future healthcare policies. This bipartisan effort to force a vote shines a bright light on the challenges of passing controversial healthcare legislation within an increasingly polarized Congress.