The Senate is moving ahead with a bill that would reopen the government. Why did WA senators vote no?

The U.S. Senate has voted to move ahead with a bill that would fund and reopen the government. Seven democrats and one independent joined Republicans to approve it.

Washington’s U.S. Senators, both Democrats, were not among them, explaining that the measure fails to extend tax credits that keep health insurance premiums accessible under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

“This bill doesn’t address the core issue that millions of Americans will no longer be able to afford ACA insurance coverage next year,” U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell said.

Millions face premium hikes without tax credit extension

More than 45 million Americans received health care under the ACA, which is known as Apple Care in Washington. Many work for small businesses, are self-employed, or otherwise don’t receive health care coverage through their employers.

Without an extension of the tax credits, many will face steep increases in their premiums.

Last month, Cantwell released a study showing that the average increase for a middle-class Washington State family is $1,049 a month, or $12,590 a year.

“I voted no,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray said about the measure Senators agreed to Sunday night. “As long as there is still any time left to reverse the MAGA health care hike, I believe we must do everything we can to force Republicans to the negotiating table.”

It is unclear when the Senate will hold final votes on the bill, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested Monday that it would pass within hours, rather than days.

Throughout the shutdown, House Speaker Mike Johnson has insisted that Republicans would be willing to negotiate on healthcare after passing a “clean” continuing resolution to fund and reopen the government.

Republicans have promised to take up the health care tax credits in mid-December. Open enrollment, under the ACA, is already underway.

Murray said Republicans, who control the House, Senate, and White House, have already had several opportunities to extend the tax credits and have chosen not to. In President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed over the summer, they made tax breaks for businesses and individuals, which were set to expire, permanent.

“Republicans moved heaven and earth to pass new tax breaks for billionaires … but refused to either reform or extend the ACA tax credits on their own terms,” Murray stated.

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