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Lawmaker urges Congress to pass clean extension of health-care subsidies to avoid premium spikes
Summary
A lawmaker urged colleagues to approve a clean extension of premium tax credits, saying the subsidies keep people insured and help pay rent and groceries. The speaker warned that without action next week, millions could lose coverage as premiums rise and called on Republicans to join the effort.
A lawmaker urged colleagues in a session that Congress should pass a clean extension of health-care premium tax credits to prevent sharp increases in insurance costs that could force people off coverage.
"But these subsidies allow people to stay alive," the lawmaker said, adding that the credits let people "pay their rent, or their mortgage, or buy their groceries." The speaker framed the decision as urgent, saying the next week’s vote will determine whether those subsidies continue.
The lawmaker warned that if Congress does not act this month, "millions of Americans will lose their health care next year because they simply cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars more every month for the same health care." The speaker said there are currently 47 votes available and that lawmakers need 13 more votes to avoid a spike in premiums.
Addressing colleagues across the aisle, the lawmaker said Republicans could avert the harms with "a very straightforward path": backing a clean extension of the credits. The speaker urged an end to delays and to stop seeking last-minute, unspecified fixes.
The lawmaker concluded by reiterating the single policy prescription offered during the remarks: "The only way the only way to prevent the suffering that is about to happen is to pass a clean extension of these credits." The speaker said the vote is scheduled for next week.
