Jeffries Dismisses ObamaCare Subsidy Extension as 'Laughable'

Democrats Reject GOP's Temporary Fix

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday rejected a Republican-backed proposal to temporarily extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, calling the idea a “laughable proposition” that won’t win Democratic support. The comments came as lawmakers continue to negotiate terms to reopen the federal government amid an ongoing shutdown. Mike De Sisti / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kiggans Pushes Bipartisan Extension Bill

Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) has introduced a bill that would extend the enhanced ACA tax credits—set to expire on January 1—through the end of 2026. The measure has drawn bipartisan interest, with moderates viewing it as a potential step toward resolving the funding impasse. Antranik Tavitian/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jeffries Calls for Permanent Action

Jeffries said Democrats won’t accept a short-term deal, noting that President Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this year made their wealthy tax cuts permanent. “A one-year extension is a non-starter,” Jeffries said, demanding a permanent extension of ACA subsidies that primarily help working-class Americans.

“What world are these MAGA extremists living in right now to think that Democrats are going to go along with a one-year extension from a group of people… who just permanently extended massive tax breaks for their billionaire donors?” he told reporters.

“It’s a laughable proposition. It makes no sense,” he added. “The Democratic position has been clear: Permanent extension, and let’s go from there.” Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

GOP Divided Over ACA's Future

Republicans have long opposed the ACA, enacted under President Obama in 2010. Conservative lawmakers want the pandemic-era subsidy enhancements—expanded under President Biden—to lapse. However, the looming expiration has created a political dilemma for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and GOP leadership, as ending the credits would likely cause health insurance premiums to rise sharply for millions of Americans. Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

Greene Criticizes GOP Leadership

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) expressed frustration with her party’s handling of the issue, warning that premiums could double if the tax credits expire. “Not a single Republican in leadership talked to us about this or has given us a plan to help Americans deal with their health insurance premiums DOUBLING!!!” she wrote in a post on X. Josh Morgan-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

Political Stakes for Moderate Republicans

The Kiggans bill aims to delay the financial fallout—at least until after the midterm elections. Many centrist Republicans in competitive districts have signed on, hoping to avoid voter backlash over soaring healthcare costs. Pixabay / Pexels

Johnson: No Extension Without Reform

Johnson said the GOP planned to debate ACA tax credits later in October, not as part of a short-term government funding measure. “That’s a Dec. 31 issue,” he said. He also warned that any extension would require “major changes” to the program’s structure before he would bring it to the floor for a vote.

“There are lots of conversations and deliberations and discussions right now, even bipartisan amongst members, about necessary changes that would have to be made—pretty dramatic changes—to even have that considered on the floor,” Johnson said. “It’s implied as if this has been some sort of ignored issue. It’s not that at all.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jeffries Draws a Line

Jeffries rejected the idea of placing new limits on ACA subsidies, including caps on payments or eligibility restrictions. “If that’s their position, they can take a hike,” he said. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images