A Break in the Shutdown: Senator Shaheen Calls for Bipartisan Action on Healthcare Costs
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a key player in brokering the recent shutdown deal, is now urging lawmakers to put the past behind them and work towards consensus on addressing rising healthcare costs. The New Hampshire Democrat believes that Congress needs to focus on passing a bipartisan bill to extend expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, which help millions of Americans afford health insurance premiums.
Shaheen's comments come as Democrats have an opportunity to move forward with legislation addressing the expiring tax credits. However, the senator acknowledges that it remains unclear whether this bill can gain enough support to pass. She is calling on lawmakers to put aside their differences and work towards a compromise.
"We need to end the circular firing squad," Shaheen said, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. "We're in this situation because of the refusal by Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson to address the cost of healthcare."
Shaheen's proposals include capping the income of individuals who receive premium tax credits and rooting out fraud and abuse within the program. She is urging lawmakers to focus on finding common ground and working together to pass a bill that can address the urgent need to extend these critical tax credits.
Meanwhile, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, has proposed an alternative plan that would give Americans money to help offset high deductibles in lower-cost health plans under the ACA. However, Shaheen expressed skepticism about this plan, stating that significant reforms may not be feasible within the current timeframe.
With the short-term urgency of extending these tax credits paramount, Shaheen is emphasizing the importance of a bipartisan approach to address rising healthcare costs. She believes that by working together, lawmakers can find solutions that benefit all Americans and put an end to the shutdown cycle.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a key player in brokering the recent shutdown deal, is now urging lawmakers to put the past behind them and work towards consensus on addressing rising healthcare costs. The New Hampshire Democrat believes that Congress needs to focus on passing a bipartisan bill to extend expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, which help millions of Americans afford health insurance premiums.
Shaheen's comments come as Democrats have an opportunity to move forward with legislation addressing the expiring tax credits. However, the senator acknowledges that it remains unclear whether this bill can gain enough support to pass. She is calling on lawmakers to put aside their differences and work towards a compromise.
"We need to end the circular firing squad," Shaheen said, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. "We're in this situation because of the refusal by Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson to address the cost of healthcare."
Shaheen's proposals include capping the income of individuals who receive premium tax credits and rooting out fraud and abuse within the program. She is urging lawmakers to focus on finding common ground and working together to pass a bill that can address the urgent need to extend these critical tax credits.
Meanwhile, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, has proposed an alternative plan that would give Americans money to help offset high deductibles in lower-cost health plans under the ACA. However, Shaheen expressed skepticism about this plan, stating that significant reforms may not be feasible within the current timeframe.
With the short-term urgency of extending these tax credits paramount, Shaheen is emphasizing the importance of a bipartisan approach to address rising healthcare costs. She believes that by working together, lawmakers can find solutions that benefit all Americans and put an end to the shutdown cycle.