US Senate Democrats seek vote on three-year extension of healthcare subsidies

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By Nolan D. McCaskill and Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Democrats will demand votes next week on a three-year extension of an enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidy that is set to expire this month for 24 million people, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York announced in a speech to the Senate on Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota agreed to give Democrats an up-or-down vote on healthcare legislation of their choosing as part of an agreement with eight Democrats who voted with Republicans last month to end a record 43-day government shutdown. 

Democrats instigated the shutdown to pressure Republicans into extending the Obamacare subsidies, which expire at the end of this year. While there is some support for an extension, Republicans have called for policy reforms such as income caps and “Hyde Amendment” restrictions, which prohibit the use of federal funds to pay for abortion coverage.

“Senate Democrats will introduce legislation for a clean three-year extension of the current ACA tax credits,” Schumer said. “Republicans have one week to decide where they stand. Vote for this bill and bring healthcare costs down or block this bill and send premiums skyrocketing.”

The Democratic proposal requires 60 votes to stop a filibuster. Schumer said all Senate Democrats would support the measure, meaning 13 Republicans would be needed for it to advance in the Senate.

SPEAKER JOHNSON NON-COMMITTAL, TIMELINE TIGHT

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has not committed to holding a vote on any healthcare legislation taken up by the Senate, though the chamber’s Republican leaders have said their conference is working on a proposal to make healthcare more affordable. They have not said when such a proposal might be ready for consideration.

Schumer’s plan tracks with the approach House Democrats are seeking. It is still unclear whether Senate Republicans will propose a bill of their own next week or later in December. 

Congress is running against a tight timeline. December 15 is the last day to enroll in or change insurance plans for coverage beginning January 1.

Republican U.S. Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota acknowledged the time crunch, telling reporters on Tuesday that members are “trying to come up with something that works within the confines of the law that we have now so it can take effect right away.”

“That’s very much a consideration,” he added.

(Reporting by Nolan D. McCaskillEditing by Bill Berkrot)