US House passes extension of Obamacare subsidies

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US House of Representatives approved a three-year extension of expired health care subsidies in a bipartisan vote Thursday.

Lawmakers voted 230-196, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats.

The bill, which would continue the expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, subsidies for three years, that was initially introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, now moves to the Senate.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters that the lower chamber "has just delivered a decisive victory" for the American people.

"In this first full week of the new year, House Democrats, every single one of us, joined by 17 Republicans, have partnered in a bipartisan way to protect the health care of the American people," said Jeffries.

He urged Senate Republican Leader John Thune to "immediately" bring the bill for a vote.

Jeffries said Thune needs to "stop playing procedural games that are jeopardizing" the health, safety and well-being of Americans.