Jeffries Accuses Johnson of Blocking Trump’s ACA Plan

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently criticized Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson for allegedly sabotaging a plan by former President Donald Trump to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for two years.

Last week, the White House reportedly developed a framework aimed at extending billions in ACA subsidies but then abandoned it following backlash from Republican lawmakers. Jeffries pointed fingers at Johnson, claiming that the lack of an agreement on the tax credits—set to expire on December 31—was due to Johnson’s influence.

“It seems the Trump administration was ready to present a viable plan, and Mike Johnson appears to have derailed it,” Jeffries said. “Now he wants to act like he’s in charge of the House? When it comes to healthcare for the American public and bipartisanship, all they’ve done is bow to Donald Trump since January 20th. Essentially, House Republicans have just been a rubber stamp for Trump’s extreme policies.”

Jeffries added, “And when it seems like Trump is ready to engage in genuine bipartisan talks about extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits, House Republicans will just ruin the deal.”

The White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding this situation.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have indicated they would hold a vote on this aid as part of a deal to resolve the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, but Johnson has yet to take such action. He has opposed a vote and dismissed the idea of a bipartisan negotiation for an extension.

Many Democrats, including Jeffries, are pushing for a three-year extension of the tax credit, but there’s been no response from Republicans. Senate Republicans have pointed out the stagnation on reaching any bipartisan agreement ahead of the Christmas deadline.