Senate to Vote on ACA Subsidies Amidst Expiration
The Senate is preparing to vote on two separate proposals concerning Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies, one from Democrats and one from Republicans. Neither proposal is anticipated to achieve the 60 votes required for passage. The existing ACA tax subsidies are nearing their expiration date.
Senator Shaheen's Commentary on Insurance Coverage
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) commented on the situation, stating that individuals are observing their insurance rates increase, in some instances, "doubling, tripling, in some cases, even more." She indicated that if Congress does not act, "a lot of people" are likely to lose their health insurance. Shaheen also stated that voters would "know very clearly who to blame if it doesn't pass" and noted increasing pressure on House Republicans from constituents affected by rising rates and affordability issues.
Personal Political Dynamics
Senator Shaheen also discussed a political matter involving her daughter, Stephanie Shaheen, who is running for a U.S. House seat in New Hampshire. Stephanie Shaheen has publicly criticized her mother's vote to reopen the government. Senator Shaheen mentioned they had a "great" Thanksgiving and acknowledged their differing positions on the issue. She expressed that she knows her daughter's stance and her daughter knows hers, and she looks forward to her daughter serving as an "independent in Congress, speaking her mind and working on health care issues."