House GOP leaders are preparing the health bill for next week.

Republican leaders in the House are putting the finishing touches on new health care legislation, aiming to bring it to a vote before the year concludes. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confirmed Thursday that a GOP-exclusive proposal is expected to be revealed next week.

From the start, weve committed to addressing this issue by years end. Significant developments are expected early next week, Johnson said, noting that lawmakers have been briefed on the plan throughout the week and discussions will continue over the weekend.

Details of the legislation remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether it will extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which moderates support. Some moderate Republicans have collaborated with Democrats on alternative proposals, suggesting a temporary continuation of subsidies paired with reforms to satisfy conservative concerns. However, many Republicans oppose simply extending the subsidies, viewing them as a remnant of pandemic-era policy. Instead, they see the debate as a chance to revisit previous efforts to overhaul Obamacare.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) also avoided confirming whether the bill would include any extension of enhanced subsidies. The focus is on reducing costs for families and offering options beyond current ACA plans, Scalise said. He dismissed a bipartisan proposal introduced earlier Thursday by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) for a temporary subsidy extension, which is supported by over 30 House members, including at least a dozen Republicans. Thats not included in what were discussing. Were considering multiple ideas to create a package that even those like Jen could support, Scalise added.

If Congress does not act, enhanced subsidies are set to expire at years end, potentially increasing monthly premiums for millions of Americans. The statements from Johnson and Scalise coincided with Senate Democrats announcing plans to vote next week on a three-year clean extension, a measure unlikely to gain significant Republican backing.

Author: Noah Whitman