Amid Chaos, Congress Must Stay Focused on ACA Subsidies

At a moment when the country is inundated with manufactured crises, distractions, and fear-based politics, the House of Representatives delivered a rare and necessary act of clarity. By a bipartisan vote of 230–196, Democrats—joined by 17 Republicans—passed a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, choosing to focus on the real, everyday costs facing American families. That vote was a direct rebuke to political strategy rooted in distraction rather than governance. While attention is pulled toward foreign conflicts, culture-war fights, and threats of shutdowns, millions of Americans are quietly confronting a much simpler question: can they still afford health insurance next year? Since the ACA subsidies were expanded in 2021, enrollment has reached record highs. Twenty-four million people enrolled for 2025, the vast majority receiving tax credits that made coverage possible. Many are self-employed, work for small businesses, or live in states with limited healthcare options. Allowing these subsidies to expire would cause premiums to more than double for many households, forcing families to delay care, take on debt, or go uninsured altogether. The House acted only after leadership refused to do so, and only because members understood what expiration would mean back home. Republicans who voted yes acknowledged that a clean extension was the only responsible choice. Reports now indicate that Senate Republicans are actively discussing compromise options, a clear sign that the bipartisan House vote changed the political landscape. This moment did not happen by accident. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, kept healthcare affordability front and center through a prolonged shutdown, sustained pressure, and repeated attempts to change the subject. That persistence forced a choice: govern, or own the fallout. The Senate now faces the same choice. It can protect millions of Americans from devastating premium hikes—or it can block action and accept responsibility for the consequences. Side deals, voluntary promises from insurers, or vague claims of future negotiations will not prevent higher costs or coverage losses. With so much noise dominating the news, Congress must prove it can stay focused on what actually matters to people’s lives. Affordable healthcare is not a distraction. It is a necessity. I urge the Senate to act swiftly to extend ACA premium tax credits and ensure that millions of Americans do not pay the price for political gamesmanship.