Jeffries Vows to Continue Fight for Health Care Subsidies Amid Government Shutdown
Democrats Stand Firm on Health Insurance Provisions
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed resolute determination in a recent interview with CBS News, stating that Democrats will persist in their efforts to extend expiring health insurance subsidies as the government shutdown continues. As Congress approaches a potential resolution to the 43-day stalemate, Jeffries declared, “House Democrats are in this fight until we win this fight. This fight is not over for us. We’re just getting started.”
Legislative Context
Jeffries spoke shortly before the House was expected to vote on a bill designed to fund the government until late January. While the bill had gained some Democratic support in the Senate, Jeffries noted that House Democrats are “strongly opposed” to it, as it does not include the sought-after health care provisions. Should the bill pass in the House, it would only require nearly unanimous Republican support to succeed.
The enhancements to health insurance tax credits-introduced during the Biden administration-are set to expire at the end of the year, posing a risk of increased premiums for millions using the Affordable Care Act exchanges. In a recent development, eight Senate Democrats signed onto a proposal to reopen the government and advance three full-year spending bills in exchange for a commitment from Senate Republican leadership to discuss the tax credits later. However, House Republican leaders have yet to affirm such a commitment.
Constituents’ Concerns
When questistartd about reactions from constituents regarding the Senate Democrats who supported the deal, Jeffries reported minimal feedback but emphasized the public’s desire for Democrats to persist in safeguarding health care for Americans. He stated, “Grocery costs are too high, utility bills and electricity bills are through the roof, and health care costs are way too high. We need you to do something about it.”
Future Plans for Health Care Subsidies
In response to the urgency of the tax credit situation, Jeffries highlighted a separate legislative proposal aimed at extending the health insurance tax credits for three years. He indicated a plan to utilize a discharge petition-a procedural move designed to prompt a vote on the issue-though he will require support from several House Republicans to succeed. “Republicans claim that they want to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits,” Jeffries said. “They’ll have an opportunity to do so, since their leadership refuses to do that.”
Further insights from Jeffries will be featured in an upcoming segment of the “CBS Evening News.”