Democrats on the House New Democrat Coalition’s healthcare task force pressed Republicans on Wednesday to support a “clean” extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits that are set to expire.
Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, who leads the group, joined Democratic Representatives Kim Schrier of Washington, Ami Bera and Raul Ruiz of California, Kelly Morrison of Minnesota and Herb Conaway of New Jersey in issuing a joint statement ahead of an expected floor vote.
“Over the last year, Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration have waged an all-out assault on health care access, affordability, and public health in America. Tomorrow, House Republicans have the chance to finally vote to improve the lives of their constituents.
“This vote comes at a critical moment in the ongoing Republican-created healthcare crisis. On January 1st, Congressional Republicans forced more than 20 million Americans already struggling with the out-of-control cost of living to pay thousands of dollars more per year for their health insurance.
“As physicians and New Dem health care leaders, we know first-hand the devastating effects of these cruel Republican cuts across the country. We need to act—now. House Republicans must put the wellbeing of their constituents over their extreme agenda and join Democrats in lowering healthcare costs and saving lives.”
The credits lapsed January 1, pushing insurance premiums higher for more than 20 million Americans. Every House Democrat and a handful of Republicans used a discharge petition to force the extension onto the floor calendar.
