WASHINGTON, December 9, 2026: With the help of three Republican lawmakers, on a vote of 230 to 196, the House passed legislation extending health care subsidies that had expired at the end of the year for the Affordable Care Act. The so-called “clean” bill brings back the expired health care benefits without the changes the Republicans were requiring last year.
The GOP has opposed the subsidies, arguing that they are wasteful and only benefit the insurance companies.
However, the Senate is likely to reject the House bill when it comes to the Senate floor.
The enhanced subsidies expired on December 31 leaving many families facing higher health care insurance premium costs. According to KFF, health insurance costs have risen by 26% in 2026 putting pressure on struggling Americans.
Yesterday’s vote was taken after the House bypassed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) with a discharge petition to force the vote on the House floor. Discharge petitions allow 218 or more House members to vote to bring a matter to a floor vote by passing the House Speaker. Johnson has not allowed a vote on legislation extending the health care subsidies. The Democrats needed nine Republicans to force the vote. On Wednesday the vote for the discharge petition was 221-205, including nine Republicans.
The House has used an unprecedented 14 discharge petitions, including yesterdays, to force votes on legislation opposed by Johnson and the majority of the Republicans.
Extending health care benefits was the key issue for the Democrats in last year’s longest running federal shutdown. Seven Senate Democrats voted to end the shutdown in November without the health care subsidies.
Republicans are facing rising pressure to extend the subsidies as Americans face sticker shock as they renew their health coverage. The Trump administration has tasked Republicans with taking control of the healthcare issue before the midterm elections later this year.
The Senate has not scheduled a vote on the House measure.
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