Speaker Johnson tries to court Taylor Greene, invites her to help tackle Obamacare subsidies after shutdown revolt

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson has reached out to the controversial Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, following her recent public dissent against the Republican strategy during the ongoing government shutdown, including her call for the continuation of enhanced Obamacare subsidies.

Johnson (R-La.) stated he made contact with Greene (R-Ga.) after her outspoken criticism, offering her a chance to participate in the healthcare policy committee discussions.

“I had a productive phone conversation with my colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene the other night… to let her know that numerous Republicans in Congress are tirelessly working on these issues,” Johnson shared during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.”

“Those who are actively involved are on the relevant committees. Since Marjorie isn’t a member of those groups, I extended an invitation for her to join us in the discussions, if she wishes to do so.”

In previous statements, Greene criticized Johnson for not reconvening the House amidst the partial government shutdown and criticized GOP leadership for not abolishing the Senate filibuster to resolve the deadlock.

During the last fortnight, Democrats have obstructed a clean GOP spending bill designed to reopen the government, while pressing Republicans to yield to their demands regarding healthcare.

Democrats are insisting that the GOP retract their modifications to Medicaid in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (now known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act) and to extend the enhanced Obamacare subsidies that are scheduled to lapse at the end of this year.

Despite supporting the Medicaid alterations, Greene declared her intent last week to advocate for an extension of those enhanced subsidies, which were bolstered during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Biden administration.

“I’m prepared to stand alone on this issue because if the tax credits expire this year, my own adult children’s insurance premiums for 2026 are set to DOUBLE, impacting many hardworking families in my district,” she expressed.

The House GOP leadership had previously downplayed Greene’s criticisms, asserting to the press that her absence from the relevant committees likely meant she wasn’t fully informed about the GOP’s healthcare agenda.

Johnson and senior GOP members have remained firm, insisting that Democrats must cooperate in reopening the government first, following which the healthcare issues may be revisited.

The speaker also highlighted that Republicans are keen on reforming the enhanced subsidies before agreeing to any extensions.

“Significant work has taken place on these concerns,” Johnson remarked. “We have literally hundreds of ideas ready to address healthcare challenges, making it more affordable and increasing accessibility, along with enhancing the quality of care.”

Greene has consistently critiqued Johnson, having attempted an unsuccessful effort to unseat him last May after he proposed a vote on military assistance to Ukraine.

Recently, Greene participated in an extensive podcast session with comedian Tim Dillon, where she continued to express her discontent with Johnson.