House Republican leaders are in a race against time to unveil a new health care package this Friday. The urgency stems from a contentious morning meeting that left unresolved issues concerning the extension of expiring Obamacare tax credits. Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside his leadership team, is keen on filing the legislative text promptly to meet House notice requirements and set the stage for a House Rules Committee review early next week.

Despite the rush, internal disagreements have surfaced. Conservative hard-liners are expressing strong reservations about proceeding with a vote to extend insurance subsidies that are due to expire. Speaker Johnson, however, remains optimistic, telling reporters, “This is going to be a great piece of legislation that everyone will be united around."

The proposed health care package is set to broaden health savings accounts and association health plans, along with providing funds for cost-sharing reductions to assist low-income Obamacare enrollees. Yet, a significant faction of moderate House Republicans is pushing for a floor amendment that would likely include a two-year extension of the enhanced tax credits introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally, GOP leaders had not planned to continue these subsidies. Nevertheless, they now appear open to allowing a floor amendment on the extension, as disclosed by four individuals who requested anonymity after attending the closed-door meeting with Johnson and other senior Republicans.

Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) has vocally opposed the continuation of the tax credits, criticizing them as perpetuating a "fraud-ridden subsidy" from the Covid era and accusing it of contributing to rising health care costs. Despite his objections, Arrington anticipates that the vote on the extension will proceed, allowing members to "vote their conscience" and subsequently defend their decisions to their constituents.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise described the internal meeting as “lively,” indicating the depth of the divisions within the party. He noted that leaders would be making their final decisions soon due to the pressing need to submit the legislative text later in the day.

As the GOP navigates these internal clashes, the outcome of this legislative push will likely have significant implications not only for the party’s unity but also for millions of Americans dependent on these health care provisions. The coming days will reveal whether the party can align its factions and pass a health care package that adheres to its policy goals while addressing the needs of its diverse constituencies.