Four GOP Moderates Cross Party Lines to Push Health‑Care Subsidy Vote

In a rare display of cross‑party cooperation, four moderate House Republicans from swing districts signed a Democratic petition to force a vote on extending health‑care subsidies that end this year.\n\n## Cross‑Party Move on Health‑Care Subsidies\n\nThe four members joined Democrats in pushing for a vote on Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions. Their action follows House Republican leaders advancing a GOP health‑care bill that does not address the looming rise in monthly premiums. Speaker Mike Johnson noted that “these are not normal times,” and explained that his party’s razor‑thin majority gives a few GOP members outsized influence over chamber mechanics.\n\n## The Four Republicans Who Defied Their Party\n\n- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA‑01) – Fitzpatrick has led several bipartisan initiatives this year. He gathered bipartisan signatures for a discharge petition on ACA subsidies and helped build a coalition to support a bill banning congressional members and families from owning and trading individual stocks. He remarked, “It’s not every day you see this cast of characters up here. You’re all smirking out there. That’s a good thing. It speaks to the power of this cause.”\n\n- Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA‑07) – Mackenzie, who faced a challenger just 48 hours after voting for the House budget bill, joined a bipartisan group seeking an eleventh‑hour compromise on subsidies. He told The Associated Press, “even if you have a broken system, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t provide or offer relief to individuals who are dealing with those high costs right now.”\n\n- Rep. Robert Bresnahan (PA‑08) – Bresnahan and Mackenzie, both freshmen, won in November by some of the smallest margins in Congress. Bresnahan’s district is a top target for Democrats next year. Last week, President Donald Trump visited the district for an official White House event that felt more like a campaign rally, which officials said he would hold regularly ahead of the midterms.\n\n- Rep. Mike Lawler (NY‑17) – Lawler’s district is considered a crucial swing seat. Democrats plan to devote heavy resources to flip it next year. The moderate, who won a second term last year, had once considered a gubernatorial run but stepped back to focus on defending his district. Earlier this year, while many House Republicans avoided town halls amid Trump‑era turmoil, Lawler held one, facing a barrage of questions that turned into a chaotic chorus of boos.\n\n## Speaker Johnson’s Comments and Chamber Dynamics\n\nJohnson emphasized that the House’s narrow majority means that a handful of GOP members can shape procedural outcomes. He framed the current situation as unprecedented, noting that “these are not normal times.” His remarks underline the delicate balance of power in a chamber where every vote counts.\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- Four moderate House Republicans have crossed party lines to push for a vote on ACA subsidy extensions.\n- The move follows GOP leaders’ health‑care bill that omits premium relief.\n- Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the fragile majority and its influence.\n\nThe action signals a growing willingness among some GOP members to collaborate with Democrats on health‑care issues, even as the House remains sharply divided on the next steps for the Affordable Care Act.