Dear Health Advocates,
Last night, the Senate passed a funding package 60-40 that would reopen the federal government after nearly six weeks since the shutdown began. The bill now goes to the House, where voting could begin on Wednesday.
As yesterday's
statement from Anthony Wright, Families USA’s Executive Director, states:
The shutdown may be ending, but the fight to contain health care costs must continue. More than 22 million Americans who purchase their own health coverage are now at risk of facing skyrocketing premiums or losing their coverage altogether.
We are profoundly disappointed that this agreement includes only a promise of a future vote on extending the enhanced premium tax credits that millions of Americans depend on to afford their coverage.
The bill funds most federal agencies through the end of January and some through September 30, 2026. The longer-term portion includes funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which has experienced tremendous uncertainty this month and would now be protected in any potential future shutdown over the next year. It also provides backpay to federal workers and protects against additional mass firings through the end of January.
Yet, it does not include any extension of the health care tax credits, which had been Democrats’ longstanding demand. Democrats secured a promise for a separate vote on the tax credits in December, but the necessary Republican votes and Presidential signature required to extend the enhanced credits are not promised.
Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Dick Durbin (IL), John Fetterman (PA), Maggie Hassan (NH), Tim Kaine (VA), Jacky Rosen (NV), and Jeanne Shaheen (NH), along with independent Sen. Angus King (ME), who caucuses with Democrats, joined Republicans (save for Rand Paul of Kentucky) to vote in favor of moving the funding bill forward.
As we said, the fight continues for health care affordability! Popular Democracy, along with numerous national and state partners, will be holding a Save the ACA Day of Action on Wednesday, November 19, including a rally at 11 AM in Area 8 (grassy area between 1st and Constitution). You can follow this link for more information.
