In a last-ditch effort to keep vital Obamacare subsidies alive, legislators from both sides of the aisle are scrambling to secure a deal as the year-end deadline looms. Despite the urgency, the subsidies are expected to expire before any legislative action can be taken.

House GOP moderates are deliberating an amendment for a subsidy extension during Tuesday’s Rules meeting. They are prepared to align with Speaker Mike Johnson’s broader health plan, signaling unity but also a sense of resignation as they anticipate not securing a vote until next year.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, a bipartisan group led by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) is crafting a framework that might offer a lifeline to the subsidies. Their proposal includes a two-year extension paired with new income caps and fraud prevention measures, hinting at possible concessions like extended open enrollment periods for Obamacare and restrictions on abortion funding.

Despite the parallel efforts in both chambers, the paths have not yet converged, though hope remains. A meeting scheduled for Wednesday under the auspices of the Problem Solvers Caucus, hosted by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), aims to bridge these efforts.

“The calendar precludes getting something done this week,” admitted Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), highlighting the tight timeline. However, he underscored a strong commitment to collaborative action, marking significant progress in negotiations.

In other news, the Pentagon plans to release video footage from the recent strikes on a suspected drug trafficking boat from Venezuela to broader congressional committees, expanding oversight beyond top leadership.

Additionally, Senate Republicans are nearing consensus on a five-bill spending package. This development comes as Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) push for amendments that would eliminate earmarks and address budget balance, potentially setting the stage for a fiscal showdown before the holiday recess.

The House is also making strides with the SPEED Act, aimed at accelerating federal energy project permits. The bill is set to hit the floor after conservative demands for amendment votes were met, signaling a temporary truce in the ongoing energy policy battles.

As Capitol Hill races against the clock, the outcome of these multifaceted negotiations will significantly impact healthcare policy and governmental spending as the year draws to a close.