December 16, 2025


Endangered GOP Congressman Slams Leadership Over Looming Obamacare Subsidy Lapse

In a moment of stark disagreement within the GOP, Rep. Mike Lawler expressed intense dissatisfaction after a private House Republican meeting on Tuesday. The meeting, which revolved around the controversial decision to let critical Obamacare subsidies lapse, ended with Lawler publicly criticizing his party's leadership.

"This is absolute bullshit," the New York Republican declared, frustrated with the GOP's strategy on health care subsidies. He lambasted the refusal to hold a vote on preserving these subsidies, labeling the omission as "political malpractice."

Lawler's critique didn't stop with his own party. He also accused House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats of using the health care debate as a strategic tool to undermine the GOP, particularly with an eye towards the upcoming midterm elections. "They want to kill it. They want the issue," Lawler argued, referencing a proposal by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that he deemed "nonsensical."

The contentious internal meeting saw Speaker Mike Johnson inform members of his decision to proceed with a vote on a new GOP health care bill that would not extend the expiring subsidies. This decision was met with outright opposition from Lawler, who stood up during the meeting to voice his concerns, calling it "a mistake."

Despite his strong opposition, Lawler hinted at a possible willingness to cross party lines, noting that he might consider supporting a Democratic-led discharge petition that would mandate a vote on extending the subsidies for three years. "All options are on the table," he stated, signaling his readiness to take drastic measures to influence the course of action.

Lawler's vocal opposition marks a significant rift within the Republican ranks, highlighting the ongoing struggle over health care policy and its implications for both the party's unity and its strategy moving forward into the election season.