The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to extend healthcare subsidies after several moderate Republicans joined Democrats to approve the measure.
Seventeen Republicans broke with party leadership to pass the bill by a 230-196 vote.
The legislation would extend pandemic-era Affordable Care Act subsidies for another three years.
House Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the extension, arguing the subsidies are vulnerable to fraud.
Some Republicans said backing an extension was preferable to allowing subsidies to expire entirely.
Insurance premiums for around 20 million Americans rose sharply after the subsidies ended last year.
About 24 million people purchase health insurance through the ACA marketplace, many relying on tax credits to reduce monthly costs.
The tax credits were introduced under the ACA in 2014 and expanded during the Covid pandemic.
The bill faces a difficult path in the Senate, where it lacks the 60 votes required to pass.
Senators said they are working on a separate bipartisan compromise expected to be unveiled next week.
The House vote puts lawmakers on record ahead of November’s midterm elections, where healthcare is expected to be a key issue.