Republicans in the House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, just blocked a vote to continue expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies. These financial aids, which keep marketplace insurance premiums low for many working and middle-class families, are scheduled to vanish soon. A faction of moderate GOP members had pushed for the vote, warning their constituents would face steep premium hikes.
The internal GOP conflict is getting messy. Leadership is focused on their own health care plans, which exclude these subsidy extensions. Moderates from competitive districts, fearing political fallout, are now considering rare tactics to force a vote around their leadership. The deadline is imminent, meaning higher bills could hit millions right after the...