Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Lawler of New York became the first Republicans Wednesday to join a Democratic effort to force a House vote on a straight three-year extension of the enhanced Obamacare tax credits that will expire Dec. 31.
The move comes after House GOP leaders rejected attempts by Fitzpatrick, Lawler and other Republican moderates to seek a floor vote on extending the subsidies used by more than 20 million Americans.
Fitzpatrick said in a late-night House Rules Committee meeting Tuesday that “the only thing worse than a clean extension … would be expiration, and I would make that decision.” Lawler added that “the only feasible path forward is a discharge petition” if GOP leader reject a floor vote.
The discharge petition filed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries now has 216 signatures. Two other Republicans would need to sign to push it forward. Several others are considering signing the petition this morning, according to two people granted anonymity to describe private discussions.
Under House rules, no vote could happen until next month — after the subsidies expire — even if the petition is completed Wednesday.
“We have worked for months to craft a two-party solution to address these expiring healthcare credits,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement Wednesday. “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. … Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome.”
