“`html

House Republicans Defect, Forcing Vote on Healthcare Tax Credit Extension

Four‌ House Republicans broke with party leadership on Wednesday to join Democrats in⁤ overriding the GOP majority ‌and forcing a vote on extending ​healthcare tax⁤ credits – a defection that underscores the party’s growing vulnerability on‌ economic issues ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

The healthcare tax credits, which ⁣were central to the fight that led to the longest goverment shutdown in U.S. history, are ⁤set to expire ​at the end of the year unless Congress takes⁣ action.

Democrats, and a ⁢small but increasingly vocal group of Republicans,⁤ warned that allowing the‍ tax credits to lapse would⁤ lead to sharp healthcare premium⁣ increases for ​millions of Americans, which could prove a politically perilous outcome in competitive districts.

House Republicans,⁣ including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), have resisted extending⁤ the tax credits, arguing instead for an⁢ alternative approach⁤ to lowering healthcare costs. But that stance on Wednesday showed that they were at odds with members ​who say the issue would hurt constituents.

“I’m pissed for the American people,” Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) told reporters.

His remarks came after he joined republican​ Reps. Brian ​Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, in signing⁤ a Democrat-led petition that needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on a bill to extend the ⁣healthcare subsidies for ⁢three years. The four Republicans were the ‍final votes needed.

California Rep. Kevin Kiley ‌(R-Rocklin), who represents a swing ​district, was not among the Republicans to sign the petition, but he told reporters it is crucial for leadership ⁣to ‍take​ up the matter ‍sooner ​than later. otherwise, he said, it would be a “failure of leadership.”

“We have members on both sides who⁣ believe this is an urgent issue and it is for all of our members in terms of what‌ their constituents are going to​ have to deal with​ at the ‌end