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House Passes Three-Year ACA Subsidy Extension as 17 Republicans Break Ranks

Attention now shifts to a Senate effort to craft a narrower plan with guardrails.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: Representatives exit the U.S. Capitol after a house vote on December 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. Four Republicans Representatives join Democrats to sign a petition forcing a vote on legislation that will extend premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
President Trump returns to the White House after meeting with House Republicans
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks alongside Rep. Pete Aguilar and Rep. Katherine Clark during a news conference after a vote on health care subsidies, on January 8, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
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Overview

  • The measure advanced 230–196 after Democrats triggered a rarely used discharge petition that forced a floor vote over Speaker Mike Johnson’s objections.
  • The bill would restore the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that expired Dec. 31, 2025, relief that lowered costs for roughly 22 million marketplace enrollees.
  • Several Republicans from competitive districts joined Democrats, citing affordability concerns for constituents, with backers warning KFF projects average premiums could more than double without action.
  • Senate leaders are not obligated to take up the House bill as a bipartisan group works on an alternative featuring income limits, nominal enrollee payments, Health Savings Account elements, and possible abortion-related restrictions.
  • The Congressional Budget Office estimates a three-year extension would add about $80.6 billion to the deficit over a decade and increase coverage by about 100,000 people in 2026, 3 million in 2027, 4 million in 2028, and 1.1 million in 2029.