House Democratic Leader Criticizes GOP on Health Care Costs
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) expressed on Monday that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans “don’t care” about rising health care costs. He urged “a small number of Republicans” to support the continuation of enhanced Obamacare subsidies.
“Donald Trump and House Republicans promised savings right from the start, but that was a lie. Republicans have not put forth any viable plans to tackle this affordability crisis. In fact, living in the U.S. has become even more expensive. Trump’s reckless tariffs are burdening hardworking Americans significantly,” Jeffries stated in a letter to his colleagues.
He noted that the expanded Obamacare subsidies are set to expire at the end ofthe year, and not much progress has occurred toward their extension. Democrats had previously shut down the government for weeks over this issue, which stemmed from provisions in the Biden-era stimulus package, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. These subsidies were later extended through the Inflation Control Act.
“Millions of Americans will face steep increases in health care costs shortly, all because Republicans are refusing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. This cost-of-living crisis is becoming unsustainable, yet Donald Trump and House Republicans seem indifferent. MAGA extremists appear more concerned with pardoning criminals and sabotaging the White House rather than helping American families,” Jeffries added.
He mentioned that Democrats are working to get the subsidies extended through a discharge petition, which would require a majority of the House to force a vote.
“It only takes a few Republicans to join us in saving health care for millions. It’s high time for this complacent Republican Congress to act with urgency,” Jeffries asserted.
“In the coming weeks, House Democrats will utilize every legislative and advocacy tool at their disposal to lower costs and confront the Republican Party’s severe health care crisis. Thank you for your ongoing leadership on behalf of the American people.”
