Federalbrief
Dec 17, 2025

New: Several GOP Senators Support Democratic Extension Of ObamaCare Subsidies

Four Republican senators broke ranks by voting in favor of a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced health insurance premium subsidies, including two vulnerable incumbents who are up for reelection next year.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced the Democratic proposal, which was supported by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).

Although the measure did not receive the 60 votes required to proceed, they joined all 47 Democrats in voting to advance it. 51 to 47, the motion to move forward with the measure was rejected. The overwhelming majority of Republican senators opposed the measure.

In an attempt to regain control of the Senate, Democrats are vying for the seats of Collins and Sullivan, who are up for reelection in 2026.

Before the vote, Collins had kept her cards close to the vest, telling reporters that she wanted her staff to carefully review the Democratic proposal before making a decision.

Collins and Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced a bill Monday that would extend the ACA’s enhanced health insurance premium subsidies for a further two years, but only for households with annual incomes under $200,000.

Additionally, they suggested mandating that Americans with lower incomes who use the ObamaCare marketplace pay premiums of at least $25 per month.

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