Hey, from CNN. I'm AfomaDK, with the five things you need to know for Wednesday, December 17th.

We start with two big congressional stories.

House GOP tensions are high after four moderate Republicans agreed to help Democrats force a vote to extend Obamacare subsidies.

They're stabbing the rest of the party in the back.

I think it's politically short-sighted.

What we really need to do is a wholesale reform of the Obamacare system.

That's what Missouri Republican Congressman Eric Burleson told CNN earlier today.

It's a stunning blow to how Speaker Mike Johnson, after weeks of infighting, failed to produce

any Republican fix by the end of the month when health care subsidies expire.

If that happens, tens of millions of Americans can expect to see their premium spike next year.

And it comes as how GOP leaders are preparing to send members home for the holidays without

addressing the bill.

GOP moderates are threatening Johnson to change strategy,

hold a vote on their own compromise plan,

or risk embarrassment come the first week of January,

according to a person involved in the talks.

New York Republican Congressman Mike Lawler tells CNN it's not about party loyalty.

I felt I had no choice but to sign this discharge to force the vote.

And so I did what I had to do on behalf of my district, on behalf of my constituents, and

on behalf of the millions of Americans who rely on this subsidy.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed the annual defense policy bill,

sending it to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

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