Four Republicans force vote on tax credit extension

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday urged his fellow Republicans not to join Democrats in a last-ditch effort to extend key Affordable Care Act tax credits that are due to expire at the end of the year.

Johnson told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that “doing an end-run around the majority party, the Speaker or the regular process is not the best way to make law.”

The comment came a day after the speaker blocked moderate Republicans from getting a vote on extending the life of enhanced ACA subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of December. Obamacare health insurance premiums for millions of Americans will sharply rise if the tax credits expire.

Johnson and GOP leadership are pushing a separate healthcare bill that would not extend the enhanced subsidies. The House will vote on that bill, which would provide cost-sharing aid for consumers, on Wednesday.

Democrats are lobbying moderate Republicans to sign a so-called discharge petition promoted by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

That petition would force a vote to extend the subsidies for three years.

Only four Republicans would need to buck Johnson to force that vote.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning became the first Republican to sign discharge petition. It is now three signatures away from forcing a vote on the subsidies.

Johnson said GOP caucus members could tackle health insurance costs in early 2026.

“We’re looking at another reconciliation package for example, in the first quarter of next year, which will have a number of other revisions and reforms to the system, and all of it is geared, again, for reducing premiums, increasing access to care and quality of care,” Johnson said.