US House Democratic leader presses for immediate vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits

By Diyar Guldogan WASHINGTON (AA) – The top Democrat in the US House of Representatives said Thursday that his party has successfully forced action on legislation to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the measure to the floor immediately.

Speaking on the steps of the US Capitol alongside fellow Democrats, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said a discharge petition had secured the votes necessary to advance legislation aimed at protecting access to health care for millions of Americans.

"We've successfully secured a vote with a successful discharge petition to protect the health care of the American people and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credit.

"We're here gathered on the House steps with one last thing remaining. We want to make clear to Mike Johnson that the American people deserve a vote on the Affordable Care Act tax credit legislation, and deserve that vote today," Jeffries said.

His remarks came a day after the House of Representatives passed a Republican healthcare measure that omits an extension of soon-to-expire tax credits provided under the ACA, also known as Obamacare.

House rules allow Democrats to demand a vote on their proposed three-year extension, but Johnson said he would delay scheduling a vote until Congress reconvenes the first week of January, after a recess that is expected to begin later this week.

- Rates set to soar

As the deadline draws near, Democrats in Congress have been pushing for action on the issue for months. They warn that next year, households could face substantially higher ACA health insurance rates of up to over 100%.

Jeffries urged House leadership not to adjourn without taking up the issue, saying further delays would harm families who rely on subsidized health coverage.

"Under no circumstances should the House of Representatives adjourn until we successfully extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits for tens of millions of Americans," he said.

"No more excuses, no more delay."

The Democratic leader framed the dispute as part of a broader fight over health care access, accusing Republicans of creating what he called a “healthcare crisis” by refusing to extend the credits, which help lower insurance premiums for people who purchase coverage through ACA marketplaces.

“Because of the Republican refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, tens of millions of Americans are at risk of being unable to go see a doctor when they need one,” Jeffries said, calling the situation “unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American.”

"Our message to Mike Johnson is clear; you can run, but you cannot hide," he added.

Jeffries concluded by reiterating Democrats’ demand for immediate action, vowing to continue pressing until the tax credits are extended. "Democrats are in this fight until we win this fight," he said. “Cancel the cuts, lower the cost, save health care and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits now."