WASHINGTON
Defying Speaker Mike Johnson, a bipartisan House coalition voted Wednesday to advance a measure reviving a major pandemic-era subsidy that lowered health insurance costs for roughly 22 million people before expiring last month.
The 221-205 procedural vote sets the stage for expected passage of the bill on Thursday.
The vote was forced by a rare discharge petition signed by four centrist Republicans who joined with Democrats, sidestepping the usual leadership control of the floor schedule.
These lawmakers cited the immediate impact of soaring premiums on their constituents as a primary reason for their revolt.
“Doing nothing was not an option,” said one GOP signatory, arguing that last year’s government shutdown had failed to resolve the issue.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., one of the Republicans who crossed party lines, framed the House action as pressure on the Senate. “No matter the issue, if the House puts forward relatively strong, bipartisan support, it makes it easier for the senators to get there,” Lawler said.
In total, nine Republicans joined all voting Democrats to advance the measure, underscoring the significant GOP division on the issue.
By James Kisoo
