Bipartisan group in House propose framework for extending Obamacare subsidies amid shutdown

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers on Monday unveiled a proposal for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies for two years and placing an income cap for high earners. 

Democrats have claimed extending the Obamacare subsidies is at the heart of their government shutdown fight. The subsidies are expected to expire at the end of the year. Republicans have countered that Democrats can have a vote on extending the subsidies after the government is reopened.

Moderate GOP Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Jeff Hurd of Colorado proposed the framework alongside centrist Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi of New York and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, The Hill reported.

“Congress is gridlocked, and too many Americans have lost faith that we can work together. But here’s the truth: Democrats and Republicans can sit down, listen to one another, and find common ground, especially when it comes to lowering health care costs,” the lawmakers said in a statement. 

“Compromise isn’t rocket science, and it shouldn’t be treated like a weakness," they continued. "Our hope is that this shared statement of principles will inspire bipartisan collaboration across Washington and help get Congress back to work for the American people."

The proposal would extend the subsidies for two years and place a cap on eligibility for people earning between $200,000 and $400,000 a year. It also proposes guardrails to protect against fraud, such as ensuring that recipients have not died.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.