^{Photo: The 19th News}

Republicans Push Obamacare Debate Down the Road
As the clock ticks toward a potential government shutdown at midnight Tuesday, congressional Republicans are signaling that negotiations over Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance subsidies are not a priority. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated on CNN’s State of the Union, “The Obamacare subsidies is a policy debate that has to be determined by the end of the year … not right now, while we’re simply trying to keep the government open.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., echoed this position on NBC News’ Meet the Press, describing the ACA as “a program in desperate need of reform” and emphasizing that discussions about tax credits cannot realistically be resolved before the funding deadline.

Democrats Demand Immediate Action
Democratic leaders remain firm on tying ACA tax credits to any government funding legislation. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., warned that “notices” are set to begin going out for millions of Americans who rely on the subsidies, and stressed the urgency of enacting legislation to extend the credits. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also signaled that the likelihood of avoiding a shutdown “depends on the Republicans,” calling for “serious negotiation” in Monday’s scheduled meeting with President Trump and congressional leaders.

President Trump Steps In
President Donald Trump is set to meet with the top four congressional leaders on Monday — Johnson, Thune, Jeffries, and Schumer — in a last-minute effort to avert a shutdown. The meeting comes after Trump abruptly canceled talks with Democrats last week, citing unproductiveness. Speaker Johnson indicated that Trump’s goal is to “convince them to follow common sense and do what’s right by the American people,” while the outcome of the session remains uncertain.

Potential Impact on Americans
If ACA tax credits are not extended, premiums could rise sharply for millions of Americans who rely on subsidies, creating potential financial strain and a political flashpoint for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans argue that negotiations on the credits can be addressed later in the year, focusing first on keeping the government operational.

Legislative Hurdles Ahead
Passing a continuing resolution will require bipartisan support in the Senate, with Republicans needing at least eight Democrats to join them — a challenging prospect given the current political standoff. Thune emphasized the sequencing of priorities: “We can have that conversation [about ACA subsidies], but before we do, release the hostage, set the American people free, keep the government open.”

Looking Ahead
With only days left before the funding deadline, all eyes will be on Monday’s meeting to see whether Congress can reach a compromise. The outcome will determine whether millions of Americans continue to receive essential health coverage subsidies and whether the federal government avoids a potentially costly shutdown.