Senator Jeanne Shaheen Discusses Urgent Health Care Legislation on “Face the Nation”
On November 16, 2025, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, addressed key health care issues and bipartisan efforts during her appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan.
Goals Amidst Government Shutdown
Senator Shaheen emphasized that her priorities during the recent government shutdown included reopening the government to alleviate the hardships faced by millions of Americans, particularly those losing food assistance and federal employee salaries. She highlighted the pressing concern over rising health insurance premiums linked to the potential expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at the end of the year.
“I think people are now very aware of the fact that they are going to see huge rate increases, double for so many people, and an unaffordable cost of health insurance if those premium tax credits go away,” said Shaheen.
Bipartisan Cooperation on ACA Legislation
Senator Shaheen indicated ongoing discussions with Republican legislators, notably Senator Cassidy, to draft a bipartisan bill that addresses these critical health care concerns. She noted that while immediate efforts would focus on extending the premium tax credits, more substantial reforms to the ACA could not be realistically completed in the short time available.
“We can work together, we can extend the credits, but we probably can’t implement significant reforms that Senator Cassidy was talking about in the time frame that we’ve got,” she added.
Urgency of Legislative Action
As Congress prepares for a crucial vote in early December, Shaheen stressed the necessity of consensus among Democrats and the potential for limited agreement with Republicans. She noted that while certain reforms could be beneficial, the immediate focus should be on preventing premium tax credit expiration and containing health care costs.
“Right now, we need to address what people are facing in terms of those high rate increases because of the threat that these premium tax credits are going to end,” she stated.
Potential Bipartisan Changes
Addressing concerns regarding the accessibility of tax credits, Shaheen suggested that capping income levels for eligibility could be a point of agreement between both parties. Currently, 94% of recipients earn under $200,000 annually.
Moreover, she acknowledged the need to combat fraud and abuse in the program, an issue that resonates with both Democrats and Republicans.
Open Enrollment and Insurance Industry Concerns
Brennan raised questions regarding the timing of open enrollment for government health care, to which Shaheen responded that it’s still feasible to consider extending the enrollment period, pending administrative support. She noted discussions with the insurance industry that indicate some flexibility.
Calls for Transparency in Other Issues
In addition to health care discussions, Senator Shaheen responded to inquiries regarding the release of Juststart Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. She expressed strong support for making those documents public, insisting that transparency is vital to public trust.
Foreign Policy Insights
Senator Shaheen also shared her perspective on the U.S. administration’s strategy regarding Venezuela. She questistartd the clarity of the administration’s objectives, particularly the reliance on military action to address the political crisis in the country, urging a more cautious approach to protect U.S. military personnel and international interests.
Conclusion
Senator Shaheen’s interview reflects a commitment to tackling critical health care issues through bipartisan cooperation while also advocating for transparency in government operations. As the deadline for ACA premium tax credits approaches, the urgency for legislative action remains a significant focus in Congress.
For more updates on health care legislation and other political matters, stay tuned.