Consensus on a continuing resolution?
There are 22 days until the fiscal year ends, and only 12 of those will be in-session days for Congress. While there is still no consensus on the path forward, we’re hearing more from Congress about the possibility of a short-term continuing resolution (CR) than about the potential for a government shut down.
Some Republicans, including those on appropriations committees, have indicated support for a CR lasting until November or early December 2025. More conservative members, and potentially the White House, would prefer that any CR extend to at least January 2026, to allow more time to create a funding deal through September 2026.
Either way, support from Democrats will be necessary, because 60 votes are required to pass the Senate. Democrats have not yet publicized specific negotiating terms, but healthcare is clearly their focus, in particular extending the enhanced advanced premium tax credits (APTCs) that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year. APTCs provide discounts on monthly premiums for millions of individuals with lower incomes who purchase health insurance in the Marketplace.
Last Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) commented for this first time on the potential for Congress to act in this space. He noted that he doesn’t think high-income earners should be subsidized but doesn’t want anyone to be adversely affected by not continuing the credits. So key Republicans may be open to including an extension of enhanced APTCs in a funding compromise. That doesn’t necessarily mean it would be a straight extension of the current policy, and the length of any such extension would be an open issue as well. The Congressional Budget Office puts the cost of a one-year full extension at $28 billion and a two-year policy at $54 billion. Those costs would need to be offset by policies that save money.
Congress has additional health-policy-related work to do while trying to fund the government. This week includes hearings on vaccine policy and White House cabinet nominations. The House Oversight Subcommittee on Healthcare and Financial Services will hold a hearing on Tuesday titled “Better Meals, Fewer Pills: Making Our Children Healthy Again”, which coincides with the scheduled release of the Make America Healthy Again Commission report “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy.”
[View source.]
