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The House of Representatives narrowly passed a GOP health care bill on Wednesday (December 17) that does not extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The bill passed with a vote of 216-211, supported by three Pennsylvania Congressmen, Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, and Rob Bresnahan, who had earlier joined Democrats in an attempt to force a vote on extending the subsidies.
According to The Hill, the bill now moves to the Senate, where it is not expected to pass. If the subsidies expire, millions of Americans could face higher health care premiums as Congress heads into the holiday recess.
The decision by the Pennsylvania Congressmen to support the bill came after House Republican leaders rejected their attempts to include a temporary extension of the subsidies. As reported by WPBF, Fitzpatrick expressed frustration, stating, "Our only request was a floor vote on this compromise, so that the American People's voice could be heard on this issue. That request was rejected."
The move by the Pennsylvania representatives to initially break ranks highlights the political pressure faced by those in swing districts. WTAE noted that these districts are already targets for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections.