Bresnahan, Colleagues Urge Speaker Johnson to Address ACA Tax Credit Extensions
WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) joined Reps. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and a coalition of House Republicans in sending a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson to put forward a solution to address the upcoming expiration of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits once the government is opened.
“The government funding debate is not the time or place to address healthcare issues. Using the shutdown as leverage to force that debate only prolongs the harm and distracts from the immediate task of reopening the government,” wrote the lawmakers. “Once the government is reopened, however, we should immediately turn our focus to the growing crisis of healthcare affordability and the looming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Millions of Americans are facing drastic premium increases due to short-sighted Democratic policymaking. While we did not create this crisis, we now have both the responsibility and the opportunity to address it.”
The letter was also signed by Reps. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Young Kim (CA-40), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), and David Valadao (CA-22).
On September 19, 2025, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until November 21, 2025, and has been stuck in the Senate ever since. For the legislation to pass the Senate — which is made up of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats — 60 votes are needed.
Last month, Rep. Bresnahan and a group of his colleagues introduced the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, which would extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits by a year in order to develop a long-term solution.
The full letter can be read here or below:
Dear Speaker Johnson,
We write to thank you for your strong leadership during this government shutdown and to underscore the urgent need to pass a short-term continuing resolution so the government can reopen. Every day the shutdown continues to hurt the very people we were elected to serve, including the men and women of our Armed Forces, the federal law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe, the agents who defend our nation’s borders, and the public servants who provide essential services to veterans, seniors, and families. Keeping the government closed helps no one and undermines the safety and stability of our country.
We also firmly believe that the government funding debate is not the time or place to address healthcare issues. Using the shutdown as leverage to force that debate only prolongs the harm and distracts from the immediate task of reopening the government.
Once the government is reopened, however, we should immediately turn our focus to the growing crisis of healthcare affordability and the looming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Millions of Americans are facing drastic premium increases due to short-sighted Democratic policymaking. While we did not create this crisis, we now have both the responsibility and the opportunity to address it.
Allowing these tax credits to lapse without a clear path forward would risk real harm to those we represent. Nevertheless, we must chart a conservative path that protects working families in our districts across the country who rely on these credits.
Let us be clear: significant reforms are needed to make these credits more fiscally responsible and ensure they are going to the Americans who need them most. Our Conference and President Trump have been clear that we will not take healthcare away from families who depend on it. This is our opportunity to demonstrate that commitment through action.
We stand firmly behind you as you lead our Conference toward ending the government shutdown. Once the government is reopened, we are ready to work with you to advance healthcare solutions that protect families and lower costs.
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