Senate Republicans are criticizing Democratic plans to prolong Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for another year as part of an agreement to reopen the government, stating they are not interested in pursuing such a deal.
Several GOP senators swiftly dismissed the proposals put forth by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), which included a temporary funding measure, a “minibus” of three bills, and a tax credit extension.
“It’s terrible,” remarked Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as he was heading to a Senate Republican conference to discuss future strategies.
“The top five health care companies in the U.S. have witnessed their stock values soar 1,000 percent since 2010. We’re funneling money into these entities, which only drives inflation,” Graham argued. “This program is flawed, and I refuse to keep handing hundreds of billions to insurance firms.”
Throughout the ongoing government shutdown, Republicans have emphasized they would only engage in health care discussions once the government reopens, while Democrats have focused on extending ACA subsidies.
Schumer unveiled his proposal after bipartisan discussions faltered earlier this week.
A faction of moderate Democrats had seemed close to a compromise with Republicans that encompassed a stopgap funding bill, the inclusion of minibuses, and a commitment to vote on the ACA subsidy extension by a specified deadline.
However, negotiators indicated that an agreement had fallen through, and the tone shifted early Thursday afternoon, leading to a Democratic caucus meeting aimed at seeking further concessions from Republicans.
With a one-year extension of the ACA tax credits leading the new proposal, it was swiftly rejected by GOP officials.
“Anyone monitoring this knows it’s not the initial offer,” remarked Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. “There’s no chance. Extending Obamacare is part of the negotiation process we’ll engage in once the government is up and running again.”
Thune added, “A one-year extension like they’re proposing… that’s not even close,” pointing out that it also fails to include protections for the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funds for abortion services.
He noted that the proposal illustrates Democrats are feeling pressured.
House Republicans quickly criticized the plan as well.
Representative August Pflueger (R-Texas), Chairman of the Republican Investigation Committee, labeled it a “non-starter,” while the hard-line House Freedom Caucus deemed it “irrational.”
In contrast, House Democrats seem to back the proposal.
A senior aide mentioned that discussions were ongoing regarding the proposal and that “most members appear to find it acceptable.”
“We will be well-positioned moving forward by fulfilling our commitment to voters,” the aide stated.
This proposal follows significant victories for Democrats in recent elections, which have shaken the Republican Party and galvanized some momentum in the minority party.
President Trump stated on Wednesday that the government shutdown has negatively affected Republicans during elections, motivating progressives to push for aid extensions while Republicans seem to be struggling.
Progressives are also opposing the deal at the heart of bipartisan discussions, emphasizing that they prefer a resolution on tax credits rather than merely a process that might lead to a vote.
