House Votes to Revive ObamaCare Tax Credits

The U.S. House on Thursday passed bipartisan legislation to revive and extend expired ObamaCare tax credits, a move that supporters say could pressure the Senate to reach a compromise on health care affordability.

The measure passed by a 230–196 vote, with 17 centrist Republicans joining all Democrats in support. The vote underscored the narrow hold Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has over his conference and highlighted growing concern among moderates about rising health care costs for constituents.

The bill would extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for three years, benefits that were originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic and expired at the end of 2025. The legislation now heads to the Senate, which rejected a similar proposal last month in a largely partisan vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has indicated he may not bring the House bill to the floor.

Even so, House lawmakers backing the bill said the vote was intended to build momentum and force Senate action. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), who worked with GOP moderates on the effort, said Senate negotiators from both parties are close to a deal. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) called the House vote a key pressure point for the Senate.

The 17 Republicans voting in favor included:
- Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
- Rob Bresnahan (Pa.)
- Mike Carey (Ohio)
- Monica De La Cruz (Texas)
- Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.)
- Jeff Hurd (Colo.)
- David Joyce (Ohio)
- Tom Kean (N.J.)
- Nick LaLota (N.Y.)
- Mike Lawler (N.Y.)
- Ryan Mackenzie (Pa.)
- Max Miller (Ohio)
- Zach Nunn (Iowa)
- Maria Elvira Salazar (Fla.)
- David Valadao (Calif.)
- Derrick Van Orden (Wis.)
- Robert Wittman (Va.)

Passage marked a significant win for Democrats and GOP moderates who used a rare procedural tool — a discharge petition — to force the bill to the floor over opposition from House leadership. Republicans have long sought to dismantle ObamaCare, making the vote an unusual break from party orthodoxy.

Democratic leaders urged Senate Republicans to reconsider. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the bill would pass if brought up again in the Senate.

Still, many lawmakers acknowledge the House bill is unlikely to become law as written. Senate negotiators are discussing a two-year extension instead, along with tighter income eligibility limits, a required minimum monthly premium to curb fraud, and options for health savings accounts. Abortion coverage under ACA plans remains a major sticking point, with conservative Republicans pushing for stricter limits tied to the Hyde Amendment.

President Donald Trump recently urged Republicans to be flexible on the issue, giving moderates hope for a compromise. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House bill’s three-year extension would cost $80 billion, fueling opposition among fiscal conservatives.

With millions of Americans facing higher health insurance costs this year, centrist Republicans said the vote reflects the urgency of addressing affordability — even as negotiations continue over the scope and cost of the program.