Olszewski Votes Against Healthcare Bill that Fails to Address Soaring Costs

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Johnny Olszewski today called on House leadership to immediately order a vote on legislation that would extend healthcare tax credits for the 22 million Americans - including more than 1 million Marylanders - insured under the Affordable Care Act. The tax credits are otherwise set to expire December 31, triggering a staggering price increase averaging 114 percent nationwide.

His demands come after voting against H.R. 6703, legislation that not only fails to extend credits, but weakens consumer protections, allows employers to cap coverage contributions for the most at-risk Americans, and significantly reduces access to reproductive healthcare. The legislation was rushed to the floor just two days after being introduced, with no chance for bipartisan input or meaningful amendments.

"Healthcare costs should not crush American families," Congressman Olszewski said. "While Republican leadership pushes empty solutions, I'm taking action. I've joined a bipartisan effort to force a vote on a clean, three-year extension of ACA tax credits - a good-faith stopgap that prevents massive premium hikes and keeps millions of people insured."

Four House Republicans joined Democrats today in signing a discharge petition led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, enough to reach the 218 signatures required to force a vote to extend the ACA tax credits. Under House rules, Speaker Johnson could delay the vote until next month, or opt to hold the vote sooner.

"Americans cannot afford to wait while Speaker Johnson plays political roulette with their wellbeing," Congressman Olszewski said. "We are demanding that Speaker Johnson allow us to vote on this critical legislation immediately. It has the bipartisan votes to pass and provide American families with the certainty they deserve and expect."

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