More Republicans Recognize Need to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Avoid Premium Hikes & End Trump Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) became the latest Congressional Republican to signal that Republicans should join Democrats to help save health care for millions of Americans.

In a lengthy social media post, Rep. Greene stated that she is "absolutely disgusted" that health insurance premiums could double if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expire, even as she stressed her opposition to the Obama-era legislation, and to the concept of health insurance in general.

Noting that the enhanced premium health care tax credits have been a lifeline for millions of Americans and are set to expire at the end of the year, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) is urging Congress to act swiftly to prevent skyrocketing premiums, massive health coverage losses, and the potential closure of hundreds of hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers nationwide.

Reed stated: "President Trump controls the White House, the Senate, and the House. He ordered Congressional Republicans not to negotiate with Democrats in order to shut down the federal government so he could try to fire more federal workers and implement his reckless partisan agenda in the shadows. He mistakenly insists he can ignore Democrats, the states they represent, and the lawmaking process while driving the country down a dead-end road that ends with more uninsured Americans in every state and double the uninsured rate in some states. Instead of reflexively shutting down dialogue, debate, and allowing the Senate to work its will, I hope the president will heed his own advice: "You have to get everyone in a room. You have to be a leader." Democrats are pursuing bipartisan solutions and trying to save people's health care in red and blue states alike, even as President Trump seeks to target blue states for revenge. Democrats want to lower costs and help people while the Trump agenda increases costs and takes away people's health care."

Open enrollment in ACA marketplaces starts on November 1. Millions of Americans could soon see their health care premiums double due to inaction by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. After first cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and imposing tariffs that increase health costs, the Trump Administration is now blocking the extension of essential tax credits that enable millions of Americans to afford health care.

While Senate Democrats continue to advocate for bipartisan solutions, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has sent the U.S. House of Representative on another extended recess. Adjourning the House ensures the federal government remains shut and it prevents a bipartisan vote that would force the Trump Administration to start releasing the Epstein files.

"Government shutdowns, regardless of length, create hardship. Denying people health care creates hardship too. I have now voted five times to keep the government open and preserve healthcare for millions; something that every Republican opposed. It's time for the President and his party to accept the reality that the American people want affordable health care. He needs to get to work and negotiate," said Reed. "I will continue working to strengthen our nation, ensure affordable access to health care, lower costs, put guardrails on federal spending, and stand up for all Rhode Islanders."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet