House Takes Step on Healthcare, but Senate Hesitates

The House recently made a move to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for three years, but the Senate seems unsure about following suit. This vote saw 17 Republicans teaming up with all Democrats to push the bill through, with a final count of 230-196. The ACA tax credits have been a big deal, especially since their expiration in 2025 could lead to higher premiums for many people who rely on ACA marketplaces for health insurance. The Senate has already turned down a similar extension, and it's likely they'll do the same again. Instead, a bipartisan group in the Senate is working on a compromise. Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio, part of this group, thinks the House bill won't make it through the Senate. He believes it's more useful as a starting point for negotiations. The group, which includes Moreno and Senator Susan Collins from Maine, is close to a deal that would extend the tax credits for two years. However, there are still some tough issues to work out, like the Hyde Amendment.The Hyde Amendment is a long-standing policy that stops federal funds from being used for most abortions. Many Republicans want to keep it strong, but President Donald Trump has suggested being flexible on this issue, which has caused some disagreement within the GOP. Some Republican Senators are reportedly open to leaving the Hyde Amendment as it is. The House vote happened after four moderate Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on the ACA subsidies. This was done through a discharge petition, a tool that lets lawmakers bypass leadership and bring a bill to the floor. The petition, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, cleared a procedural hurdle with nine Republicans joining all Democrats. Despite opposition from Speaker Mike Johnson, 11 Republicans also voted with Democrats on a second procedural vote. Jeffries emphasized that the House vote is just the beginning of the effort to extend the ACA tax credits. The Senate's next move remains uncertain, but the House has taken a significant step.