Graham Signals GOP Opposition to Extending ACA Tax Credits, Backs Trump’s Overhaul Call

Senator Lindsey Graham announced today that Republicans will not support extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, aligning with President Trump’s recent call to overhaul the healthcare law.

Speaking on the Senate floor this afternoon, Graham stated, “We’re not going to extend this program for a year because that would be unfair to the taxpayer. That would continue a health care system that’s out of control.” He further argued that extending the credits would “enrich health insurance companies even more” and emphasized the need to “replace this broken system with something that is actually better for the consumer to meet the goal of lowering health care costs.” This stance comes as Congress faces potential government shutdown scenarios linked to broader budget disagreements.

Graham acknowledged speaking with President Trump earlier today, noting the president’s desire to “sit down and see if we can come up with a better solution.” He added, “I know we can, but we’re not going to do it while the government’s shut down.” The Senator also criticized what he called “terrorizing the public” as a tactic to force Republican support for the ACA, while leaving the door open to discussions with Democrats about improving healthcare value – a concept explored in detail by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The Senator urged his Democratic colleagues to “end this madness” and “open up the government and act like adults,” suggesting a resolution to the healthcare debate is unlikely amidst a government shutdown. The future of millions of Americans’ health insurance coverage is potentially at stake as these debates unfold; you can learn more about the ACA’s impact here.

Graham indicated that he will heed President Trump’s advice and counsel, and expressed optimism about finding a bipartisan path forward once the government is fully operational.