Sam Greenglass

Lawmakers involved in the talks say they're nearing a deal for a two-year extension with some changes Republicans want, though sticking points remain.

Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.

The vote was a blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson, who vehemently opposes the subsidies.

But Republicans were able to team up with Democrats to successfully force a vote on the measure.

This three-year extension won't likely become law, but boosters of the subsidies on both sides of the aisle in both chambers say this vote is rekindling bipartisan negotiations.

Lawmakers involved in the talks say they're nearing a deal for a two-year extension with some changes Republicans want, though sticking points remain.

Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.

For weeks, House Republican leadership refused to allow a vote on the subsidies.

So four swing district Republicans joined with Democrats to force a vote using a maneuver called a discharge petition.

A procedural vote yesterday attracted support from nine Republicans.

Boosters of the subsidies have hoped that success in the House would recharge bipartisan negotiations in the Senate.

Here's Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio.

So we're in the red zone, but that does not mean a touchdown.

It could mean a 95-yard fumble.

The emerging Senate deal would extend the subsidies for two years and allow people in the second year to opt for funds in a health savings account instead of a subsidy that goes to the insurer.

Sam Greenglass, NPR News, Washington.

Congress left town for a holiday recess without acting to renew the pandemic-era subsidies.

Some people who get their plans on the marketplace are seeing premiums double or triple —

Open enrollment in many states ends January 15th.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates more than 2 million people will drop their coverage because they cannot afford the premiums.