WASHINGTON – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer officially revealed the Democrats’ intent for a health care vote next week. On the chamber floor this week, Schumer shared that his assembly would propose lengthening Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. The subsidies are meant to expire at the end of the year.
“This is the bill, a clean three-year extension of ACA tax credits, that Democrats will bring to the floor of the Senate for a vote next Thursday, and every single Democrat will support it,” Schumer explained. “Republicans have one week to decide where they stand.”
The plan lines up with the House Democrats’ take on a health care plan. It provides a platform for Democrats to compete against Republicans, moving into next year’s midterm elections.
However, some, like Jordain Carney, a Politico reporter, argue that "the Democratic bill is guaranteed to fail.”
Carney suggests that, despite Republican senators agreeing to comply with a two-year extension, additional restrictions, such as income caps, would need to be applied. This is necessary to gain additional Republican approval.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are debating the option of establishing a counterproposal on the matter.
“They are likely to discuss the issue during their closed-door lunch Thursday afternoon,” claims Carney.
