Four U.S. House Republicans, including three from Pennsylvania, joined Democrats to force a House vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies. The three Pennsylvania representatives are Brian Fitzpatrick of Bucks County, Rob Bresnahan of Scranton, and Ryan Mackenzie of Lehigh Valley. They joined New York’s Mike Lawler to secure the 218 votes needed to pass a discharge petition that mandates a floor vote on extending ACA subsidies for three years.
The ACA premium subsidies help millions of Americans afford health care coverage. The move defied House Speaker Mike Johnson, who opposed bringing the issue to the floor. Fitzpatrick led the effort and criticized GOP leadership for allowing the subsidies to expire.
Republican Representatives Cite Lack of Compromise
Fitzpatrick stated that attempts by him and other Republicans to find a compromise were rejected by leadership. He said, “The only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge.”
The three Pennsylvania Republicans represent districts considered vulnerable in the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats are targeting these districts in their efforts to regain control of the House.
Impact on Pennsylvania Residents
Nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians obtain insurance through Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace. Most receive enhanced premium tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year unless Congress acts. Without an extension, premiums are expected to rise by an average of 21%, with some individuals facing double their current premiums.
Local Democrats have criticized the Pennsylvania Republicans’ actions. Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, a Democrat running against Fitzpatrick, accused him of political posturing ahead of the election. Harvie noted that Fitzpatrick voted to advance the Trump budget bill earlier in the year, which did not include subsidy extensions.
Legislative Voting Records and Criticism
While Fitzpatrick ultimately voted against the final version of the Trump budget bill, Bresnahan and Mackenzie voted for its passage. Opponents have highlighted these votes as contributing to current health care challenges.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti criticized Bresnahan for voting for significant Medicaid cuts, which she said harmed rural hospitals and contributed to rising health care costs. Bob Brooks, a firefighter running to replace Mackenzie, also condemned Mackenzie’s vote on the bill, linking it to increased health care costs in the Lehigh Valley.
Responses from Republican Representatives
Mackenzie responded to requests for comment, calling the health care crisis a serious issue with real-world consequences. He emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions to maintain access to health insurance for families in his district.
Mackenzie’s office stated he has worked for several months with members from both parties to find a bipartisan compromise. They noted his participation in a televised town hall in September where he discussed the impending health care crisis.
Without bipartisan agreement, Mackenzie described the three-year extension as the only remaining option. He also blamed Democrats for not supporting his efforts for longer-term reforms aimed at reducing costs.
He said, “The Affordable Care Act remains broken, and our health care system is in urgent need of reforms that improve transparency, expand choice, and reduce costs. Supporting this discharge petition is currently the only way to keep discussions about bipartisan reforms alive.”
Democratic Perspective on Republican Efforts
Bob Harvie disputed the claim that Republican efforts prioritize constituents’ interests. He stated that the Republican Party has sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act since its passage and suggested current actions are part of that ongoing effort.
Harvie added that Democrats continue to fight for meaningful health care access and expanded opportunities for people.
Sources
WHYY: Pennsylvania GOP Reps buck party on health care subsidies
