UPDATE: The Connecticut congressional delegation has voiced strong opposition to a crucial funding package aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, marking a significant moment in ongoing health care debates. In a dramatic vote on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, all five members of Connecticut’s delegation, including U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes and U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, voted against the bill, citing inadequate measures for extending vital health care subsidies.
The funding package will reopen the government after a prolonged 43-day shutdown, but Connecticut representatives expressed deep concern over the lack of guarantees for enhanced premium subsidies set to expire on December 31, 2023. These subsidies are crucial for those reliant on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans, particularly within Connecticut’s own marketplace, Access Health CT.
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the shutdown as “pointless” and “cruel,” emphasizing the disruptions caused to federal workers and airline services. The bill passed narrowly with a 222-209 vote, and President Donald Trump is expected to sign it later today.
However, the fate of health care subsidies remains precarious. If Congress does not act, many individuals will face skyrocketing premiums in 2026, as enhanced tax credits would no longer be available. In response, Connecticut Democrats are preparing to leverage a rarely used procedural tactic to force a vote on a three-year extension of these subsidies, aiming to garner support from at least a few moderate Republicans in the House.
U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes stated, “I think we keep doing what we’re doing, making sure that the American people know what’s at stake.” This sentiment echoes across the delegation as they gear up for a fight that could significantly impact their constituents.
Despite Senate Republican leadership promising a vote on extending the ACA subsidies by the second week of December, the path to consensus appears rocky. With only 218 signatures needed for a discharge petition to force the issue, gaining bipartisan support will be a formidable challenge.
The absence of funding for the Columbia-class submarine program has also raised alarms among Connecticut lawmakers, with U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney criticizing the Senate for neglecting this priority during negotiations. “They made a judgment call that it was not really as critical,” Courtney noted, pointing to the potential implications for national defense and local jobs.
As the clock ticks down to the January 30, 2024 funding deadline, lawmakers are acutely aware of the urgency to resolve these issues. DeLauro remarked, “We should have been working on this literally every day before now,” underscoring the lost time due to the extended recess.
Looking ahead, Connecticut Democrats are resolute in their commitment to advocate for health care subsidies, even as they navigate a complex political landscape. With the looming deadlines and mounting pressure, the coming weeks will be crucial for determining the future of health care support for millions of Americans.
Stay tuned as this story develops, with major implications for health care policy and federal funding on the line.
