Several GOP Senators Support Democratic
Washington was jolted when four Republican senators broke party ranks on Obamacare subsidies,
exposing deep election-year anxiety. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan,
and Josh Hawley joined Democrats to advance a three-year extension of enhanced ACA subsidies,
even though it was doomed under the 60-vote rule.
Their votes signaled fear that voters “are furious about premiums,” with 2026 races looming.
Facing pressure at home, Collins and Sullivan backed a narrower bipartisan idea capping eligibility at $200,000 and
requiring low-income enrollees to pay “at least $25 a month,”
while also supporting a GOP plan to shift subsidy funds into health savings accounts.
The fallout spread to television, where Hakeem Jeffries clashed live with CNBC’s Becky Quick, highlighting dueling blame.
Democrats accuse Republicans of causing a subsidy cliff, while Republicans argue Democrats “scheduled” it.
Both sides claim they want to “lower costs,” as each maneuvers to avoid blame when premiums rise.
