Republican Lawmakers Urge Action on Obamacare Subsidies Amid Government Shutdown Crisis

People participate in a healthcare protest outside the U.S. Capitol on September 30, the eve of the government shutdown. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Fair Share America/File

Concern is growing among Republican members of Congress about the lack of a plan of action for a key date this fall that could trigger a substantial rise in health insurance costs for millions of Americans – the central issue that is intensifying the crisis caused by the government shutdown.

Some party members warn their leaders: inaction could cost them full control of Congress in the upcoming November midterms, urging them to adopt a plan that would quickly extend the expanded Obamacare premium tax credits as soon as the government is back up and running.

“I think the reality is this: if costs rise under our watch, it could affect us.”

“I understand that there are some in leadership who don’t like to hear it, but it’s hard to dispute.”

“Watching the rise in premiums and blaming each other is not the path we should be following in our position.”

Valadao is among the dozens of rank-and-file members of the House and Senate who are drafting their own proposals to address the issue of Obamacare subsidies that help millions of Americans pay for insurance. Many come from districts where pressure on leadership and the White House grows with calls to extend government support through the end of the year.

Political dynamics and attempts at compromise

Democrats have made extending subsidies a central demand amid the protracted crisis, blocking dozens of Republican attempts in the Senate to pass the House bill to reopen the government by November 21, until agreement on health care is reached. The majority of vulnerable Republicans back the GOP leadership’s stance – not to negotiate until the Democrats vote to reopen the government.

However, some lawmakers are calling for a course correction.

“I think it’s time for Republicans and Democrats to sit down at the table and talk about how we can get out of this stalemate”

“That would certainly help.”

“I think everyone understands that the president plays a very significant role in something like a government shutdown,” Murkowski added.

Inside the Capitol this week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune held a meeting with a group of senators on potential solutions to the problem. According to a participant, the discussions touched on possibilities for Republicans to be ready to negotiate health care with Democrats in the Senate after the government shutdown ends.

“I go to bed thinking about health care. Of course, I always think about what we can do to find a solution. I say this, but it’s more forward-looking, because we need Schumer to reopen the government.”

Ahead is November 1, the start of open enrollment for health insurance. Meanwhile, leadership and Trump supporters do not have a unified position on how to interpret the crisis, particularly regarding subsidies continuation. Republicans are in a tough spot: their leaders have nearly banned discussion of subsidies during government funding, but the ongoing instability makes finding a solution that could cost tens of billions of dollars more difficult.

Some supporters of economic reform are counting on a limited extension, but not a full one. They emphasize the need for substantial changes in the Obamacare market, which, in their view, is sustained by billions in federal subsidies.

“We need to resolve this in the near term.”

“We don’t want health insurance premiums to rise for people, and Republicans overall want to reduce health-care costs. No one would dispute that. The question is how exactly to do it?”

Changes in health-care discussions and government funding remain key topics on Congress’s agenda. Vacancies, fault lines, and future compromises will determine whether George and his team can move the needle off the deadlock and whether the government can resume its work and provide stability for the millions of Americans who depend on Obamacare subsidies.