01/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/01/2026 08:20
Providence, RI - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) released the following statement as Congressional Republicans recklessly allowed the expiration of the enhanced premium Affordable Care Act tax credits as of today, January 1, which is raising the cost of health insurance premiums and forcing families into financial insecurity and a lack of essential health care coverage.
"The expiration of the enhanced premium Affordable Care Act tax credits is a moment of crisis for 22 million Americans, including over 41,000 Rhode Islanders, and for our entire health care system. Families are beginning 2026 facing soaring insurance premiums, disrupted or inadequate coverage, and making the very real decision of going without care. From small businesses to early retirees to middle-income families, millions will have to make impossible choices trying to figure out which bills they can afford to pay because Republicans refused to act. These aren't abstract stories - they're parents skipping prescriptions, seniors worrying about their next doctor visit, and Rhode Islanders being forced to gamble with their health.
I have fought to stop the Republican health crisis at every turn. I proudly joined all of my Democratic colleagues in signing a discharge petition to compel Speaker Mike Johnson to bring up a vote on a clean, three-year extension of tax credits to lower health care costs. As we look ahead to a vote, I will keep pressing House Republicans to stop playing politics with people's lives and protect health care for Rhode Islanders."
Background
Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans failed to stop the expiration of the enhanced premium Affordable Care Act tax credits that help more than 22 million Americans afford their health care, including more than 41,000 Rhode Islanders.
Congressman Amo has fought Trump and Republicans' attempts to undercut the American health care system at every turn.
In December 2025, Congressman Amo led a town hall with HealthSource RI to answer Rhode Islander's questions about the Republican health care crisis.
In November 2025, Amo met with Marlene Prichard, a retired teacher and breast cancer survivor, to hear how her health insurance premiums will jump from roughly $800 a month to over $1400 a month in 2026.
Amo joined behavioral and mental health leaders at Butler Hospital in October 2025 to discuss how Republican attacks on health care impede Rhode Islanders' ability to get care.
In September 2025, Congressman Amo rallied with HealthSource RI Director Lindsay Lang, health care providers, patients, and community leaders at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care to demand Republicans extend cost-saving Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits that help Americans afford health care.
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