House Vote to Extend ACA Tax Credits Shows Power of Working People
The House approved on Thursday a three-year extension of health care tax credits that expired at the end of last year, with a group of Republicans joining Democrats to propel the measure to passage in the lower chamber.
In a 230 to 196 vote, 17 Republicans joined all Democrats in favor of the measure. The legislation is unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, but some lawmakers are hopeful it will serve as the starting point for a broader compromise.
"For months, working people have made clear that we won’t accept higher health care costs, lost jobs or bare-bones coverage dressed up as a solution to politicians’ self-imposed crisis," said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.
The outcome came after four Republicans crossed the aisle last month, revolting against their leadership to join Democrats in forcing a vote on the issue. The Affordable Care Act tax credits subsidized premiums for millions of Americans who have coverage in state-run exchanges. One analysis found that premiums were set to double without the enhanced credits.