“Ten House Republicans are leading new legislation that would extend enhanced tax credits for coverage under the Democrats’ 2010 health law,” Robert King and Benjamin Guggenheim report over at Politico. “While it’s unlikely to be enacted as a standalone proposition, it could offer the G.O.P. a path forward on the issue, and sends an important signal that the party is increasingly seeing real political risk in letting these subsidies expire at the end of the year. ‘In Congress, I have made it my priority to protect Virginians — particularly seniors, small business owners, and middle-class families — from the burden of rising costs,’ said Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans, the bill’s lead sponsor, in a statement. ‘Although it is time to end all Covid-related incentives, we must be mindful of the impact this will have on families covered by the Affordable Care Act. Congress needs to develop a responsible, sustainable plan before these Covid credits expire. … The legislation would extend the subsidies for one year, punting the issue past the 2026 midterms. The current roster of Republican co-sponsors is composed of some of the most vulnerable incumbents of this election cycle: Along with Kiggans, they are Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania, Young Kim and David Valadao of California, Jeff Hurd of Colorado, Carlos Gimenez of Florida, Tom Kean of New Jersey, Juan Ciscomani of Arizona and Mike Lawler of New York.” Robert King and Benjamin Guggenheim, “House Republicans launch bill to extend health subsidies past midterms,” Politico.
