ICYMI – Senate Democrats Tried Three Times To Extend ACA Premium Tax Credits; Republicans Need To Come To The Negotiating Table To Stave Off Healthcare Crisis

Washington, D.C. - Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement as ACA premium tax credits are set to expire and Senate Republicans refuse to engage in a bipartisan solution to the impending healthcare crisis:

"Republicans already ripped health care away from millions of Americans and drove up costs for millions more - all to hand tax breaks to billionaires," said Leader Schumer. "Three times this year, Senate Democrats tried to extend the ACA tax credits to keep coverage affordable, and three times Republicans said no. Democrats won't stop fighting to lower costs and protect families' care. If Republicans are finally waking up, it's not out of compassion - it's because they know their cruel, billionaire-first agenda is indefensible to the American people."

Senate Democrats tried THREE TIMES over the past 6 months to extend them at every available opportunity - each time, Republicans voted them down.

For reference: The first amendment failed on a recorded vote with Murkowski voting in favor (offered by Shaheen), the second failed on a voice vote (offered by Shaheen), and the third failed on a recorded vote on party lines (offered by Ossoff) -not a single republican.

• Shaheen #436: To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to preserving the enhanced ACA tax credits. Failed 48-52. (Murkowski voted aye) (VAR #1) [Senate vote 80, 2/21/25]
• Shaheen #1602: To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to extending vital enhanced premium tax credits. Not agreed to by voice vote. (VAR #2) [Voice vote, 4/5/25]
• Motion to waive budget point of order RE: Ossoff #2696 (Premium Tax Credits); not agreed to: 47-53 (VAR #3)
• • To amend the IRS code of 1986 to extend the enhanced premium tax credits and increase the individual tax rate for taxpayers with income over $10M. [Senate vote 339, 6/30/25]

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