Article Summary –
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 230-196 to restore the advance premium tax credit, which assisted 22 million Americans with health insurance premiums before its expiration in 2025, despite opposition from President Donald Trump and some Republican leaders. The bill, authored by Democratic Rep. James McGovern, was supported by all Democratic representatives and 17 Republicans, but it is unlikely to pass in the Senate due to Republican opposition, including previous use of the filibuster to block similar proposals. A KFF Health Tracking Poll showed that 74% of Americans support extending these tax credits, and the lack of extension has already resulted in an average 21% increase in premiums for Pennsylvanians using the marketplace.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved 230-196 on Jan. 8 to reinstate a popular tax credit aiding 22 million Americans in affording health insurance premiums, though it expired at the end of 2025. The House moved forward despite opposition from President Donald Trump and Republican leaders.
The legislation, crafted by Massachusetts Democrat Rep. James McGovern, proposes renewing the advance premium tax credit expansion for those buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act marketplace for 2026-2028. All 213 Democrats and 17 Republicans supported the measure.
Now headed to the Senate, the bill faces challenges in passing.
Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon emphasized in a Facebook post, “House Democrats have taken significant steps to make healthcare more affordable for millions.”
Republicans from Pennsylvania, including John Joyce, Mike Kelly, and others, voted against it. However, Rob Bresnahan, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Ryan Mackenzie joined their Democratic counterparts in supporting it.
President Trump opposes the extension, expressing via a Nov. 18 Truth Social post that he supports direct payments to the people rather than funding insurance companies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Dec. 16 that there would be no vote to extend the subsidies. He explained to NBC News that some Republicans in swing districts are under pressure to reduce costs for their constituents.
On Dec. 17, a Democratic-led discharge petition facilitated the bill’s advancement to the floor.
The Senate blocked a similar proposal on Dec. 11 using the filibuster, falling nine votes short of the necessary 60-vote supermajority.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman supported the bill, while Republican Sen. Dave McCormick opposed it.
Pennsylvanians using the marketplace saw insurance premiums rise over 21% on Jan. 1.
According to a KFF Health Tracking Poll, 74% of Americans support extending the enhanced premium tax credits. Leslie Dach of Protect Our Care urged, “Senator [John] Thune and President Trump must decide to restore tax credits or face voters’ dissatisfaction.”
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