House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced on Sunday that he expects the House to pass a three-year extension of tax credits for individuals purchasing health insurance through Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges. This move is part of a bipartisan compromise aimed at extending ACA tax credits, which could impact approximately 22 million Americans who may face higher premiums in the new year. Jeffries stated that the House will address this issue in early January, potentially putting pressure on Senate Republicans to pass a straightforward extension of the ACA tax credits.
The tax credits, which were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, have made healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans. However, some Republican leaders have expressed a desire to allow these credits to expire or be phased out over several years. On the other hand, some members of the GOP have voiced their support for extending the credits for a longer period.
The Senate recently rejected a three-year ACA extension by a vote of 51-48, with four Democrats joining the GOP in voting against it. Despite this setback, Jeffries remains optimistic that a bipartisan compromise can be reached. He believes that passing the extension in the House will force Senate Republicans to reconsider their stance on the issue.
Democrats have warned that if a deal is not reached, they will use the issue against Republicans in next year’s midterm elections. Rep. Pat Ryan emphasized that access to affordable healthcare remains a top priority for voters, and that the GOP’s handling of the issue could have significant electoral consequences. A group of centrist Republicans has already begun working with Democrats to authorization a vote on a three-year tax credit extension when the House returns to Washington in January.
The fate of the ACA tax credits remains uncertain, but Jeffries’ announcement suggests that there may be a renewed effort to extend them in the coming weeks. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for millions of Americans who rely on the ACA for their healthcare needs. As the House prepares to take up the issue in January, it remains to be seen whether a bipartisan compromise can be reached, or if the issue will become a major point of contention in the upcoming midterm elections.