Republican leaders powerless to stop a January vote on healthcare after moderates defect on ACA subsidies

Speaker Mike Johnson had a ready-made refrain when asked why Republicans weren’t moving to extend federal health care subsidies: their party wanted to help 100% of Americans with their costs, not just the 7% of Americans enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans.

But not 100% of his conference agreed.

A rare revolt from the moderate wing of the party has upended Johnson’s plans. Four Republicans this week signed onto a Democratic discharge petition that guarantees that the House...