Washington — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Thursday that Democrats will extend tax credits for an enhanced version of the Affordable Care Act for three years, putting it up for a vote next week, when the question At the center of the shutdown fight Come to center stage.
“This is the bill, a clear three-year extension of the ACA tax credit, that Democrats will bring to the Senate floor for a vote next Thursday, and every Democrat will support it,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Thursday morning.
The news comes after Senate Democrats secured a vote last month to address expiring tax credits as part of a deal to reopen the government. If Congress doesn’t act, millions of Americans will see their health insurance premiums soar in the new year.
Democrats have the opportunity to introduce legislation of their choice. Some moderates sought a compromise position to have a chance of getting the 60 votes needed to advance. Schumer’s decision to seek an outright extension means the bill is highly unlikely to gain support among Republicans, even though the move would force a politically uncomfortable vote among Republican members. Republicans rejected Schumer’s proposal to completely extend the government shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters on Wednesday that the approach “shows they’re not really interested in solving this problem.” Senate Republicans have not yet determined whether they will introduce their own health care measure alongside the Democrats’ bill.
“We are still working with our members, but we will have a plan,” Thune told CBS News on Thursday. Senate Republicans have been Circle some alternative proposals to address health care costs.
Schumer argued that Republicans have “no hope of solving this health care crisis alone” and claimed they are divided on the issue.
“Republicans have a week to decide where they stand — vote for this bill and lower health care costs, or block this bill and cause premiums to skyrocket,” he said. “That’s what’s at stake when we vote next week.”
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