House lawmakers from both parties have released a framework for extending Obamacare subsidies, marking a significant move toward resolving the ongoing stalemate in health care policy. The plan, unveiled by Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), proposes a two-year extension of enhanced tax credits and sets an income cap for eligibility ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. This is the first public proposal on health care policy since the government shutdown began 33 days ago, signaling a thaw in the partisan impasse.
The group emphasizes the need for fraud prevention measures and improved transparency in the ACA marketplaces, while also addressing the rising out-of-pocket costs for 2026. Despite the bipartisan effort, there remains substantial resistance from hardline members on both sides who demand deeper reforms or oppose any subsidy extension. Some House Republicans, like Jen Kiggans, have previously supported similar provisions, indicating potential for broader coalition-building. However, Senate Republicans continue to explore their own options, and the proposal faces the challenge of being integrated into potential long-term funding bills.
The four lawmakers hope their shared statement of principles will inspire broader consensus on Capitol Hill and help break the logjam that has left millions of Americans without a clear path forward. With open enrollment deadlines looming, the urgency to reach a compromise has intensified, particularly as premium hikes could affect millions of low-income individuals relying on the ACA subsidies.