Republicans Make Risky Move
A new internal battle is exploding inside the House GOP, as moderate and at-risk Republicans attempt a rare revolt against their own leadership—warning that a refusal to address expiring ObamaCare subsidies could drive health-care premiums sky-high and put the GOP majority at risk.
The clash comes at a critical moment, with 22 million Americans facing major premium hikes on January 1 if Congress fails to act before the holiday recess.
GOP Leaders Refuse to Extend Subsidies as Deadline Looms
Republican leaders announced Wednesday that the House will vote next week on a broad package of conservative health-care reforms. These include expansions of Health Savings Accounts, new association health plans, and long-overdue crackdowns on pharmacy benefit managers.
But the package will not include an extension of the boosted ObamaCare subsidies—something many conservatives oppose and see as a temporary holdover from Biden-era spending.
The decision immediately set off a firestorm.
Moderates Break Ranks to Force a Vote
Within hours, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) filed a discharge petition to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on a bipartisan extension of the subsidies for two years, paired with stricter income limits and anti-fraud protections.
Fitzpatrick said the impact on families is too serious to ignore: “These are our friends and neighbors. We don’t have time for political games. This is real life.”
His bipartisan bill includes support from Democrats and several Republicans in swing districts—Reps. Don Bacon (Neb.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.), Rob Bresnahan (Pa.) and others.
But the petition needs 218 signatures, meaning Democrats must join the effort. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is pushing his own separate plan—one that extends subsidies for three years with no reforms attached.
Clock Is Ticking: Only 7 Legislative Days Left
Even if moderates gather enough signatures, they still face a mandatory seven-day waiting period unless Speaker Johnson voluntarily allows a vote. With Congress heading home for Christmas, every day counts.
If nothing passes, premiums will jump dramatically on January 1—a devastating financial blow for millions of older Americans on fixed incomes.
Moderates warn the political fallout could be severe.
Centrists Sound the Alarm: “Voters Will Blame Us”
Republicans in tight districts say ignoring the subsidy issue could become an election-year disaster.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) was blunt: “Some of our members won by one or two points. This issue could swing the election. Protecting families from a sudden premium spike is the responsible thing to do.”
Moderates emphasize they support the conservative reforms leadership is pushing—but none of those changes stop the looming sticker shock.
Fiery Huddles Break Out on House Floor
Tempers flared Wednesday afternoon as moderate Republicans held animated discussions with Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Speaker Johnson on the House floor. Moments later, Fitzpatrick filed the petition.
Reps. Tom Kane, Nick LaLota, Ryan Mackenzie, Mike Lawler, David Valadao and others joined the huddle, underscoring how widespread the concern has become inside the GOP.
Where Does President Trump Stand?
President Trump has not weighed in publicly, but GOP lawmakers say he is monitoring the situation.
One Republican member said the issue is squarely in Congress’s hands:
“If the House reaches a compromise, President Trump will back it. The real disagreement is between Speaker Johnson and the moderates.”
Rep. Malliotakis said she asked the White House for more involvement:
“President Trump understands how critical this is. This difference of opinion needs to be resolved.”
Bottom Line: Millions Face Higher Premiums—And the GOP Majority Could Be at Stake
The fight over subsidies has exposed deep divides inside the Republican Party.
Conservatives want long-term reform.
Moderates want immediate protection for families facing skyrocketing premiums.
If Congress fails to act:
- 22 million Americans will see monthly health-care costs surge
- Swing-district Republicans could face brutal political fallout
- Democrats will blame the GOP for rising premiums in 2026
With only days left, the question is no longer whether Republicans can unite on healthcare—but whether they can do it before the clock runs out.
