WASHINGTON – The Senate on Dec. 11 rejected advancing a bill to prevent health care premiums from spiking next year for millions of Obamacare enrollees.
The failed vote, scheduled by Republicans in November to persuade Democrats to end the longest-ever government shutdown, leaves lawmakers virtually no time before their holiday break to soften the approaching financial blow for many Americans. Federal subsidies relied on by millions of Americans on the Affordable Care Act exchange will expire come January, in many cases doubling and tripling their premiums.
"I say to my Republican colleagues, our bill is the last train to leave the station," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said ahead of the vote. "If Republicans don't climb aboard, there won't be another chance to act before premiums skyrocket next year."
Notably, four Republicans – including Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both of Alaska, as well as Susan Collins of Maine and Josh Hawley of Missouri – defected from their party to try to extend the subsidies. The final tally was 51 in support and 48 against, with Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, not voting. The measure needed 60 votes to advance.
"I'm open to an extension because I think the premium cost is real," Hawley told reporters the day before the vote.
