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Senate Democrats Doubt Bipartisan Deal to Extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Quick summary: Senate Democrats say a bipartisan deal to renew enhanced premium tax credits now appears unlikely, increasing the risk of higher health-insurance premiums if the credits lapse. They report limited interest from the White House despite backing from a faction of Republicans. Senators Chris Murphy and Tammy Baldwin expressed frustration and uncertainty about whether at least 13 GOP senators will cooperate. Many operatives fear the issue will become a major midterm campaign topic.

07:00 PM, 11/24/2025Politics
Senate Democrats Doubt Bipartisan Deal to Extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Senate Democrats say a bipartisan agreement to extend the enhanced premium tax credits now looks unlikely, raising the prospect that some consumers could face higher health-insurance premiums if the credits expire.

Lawmakers left Washington for the holiday recess unconvinced the White House will join negotiations, even though a sizable group of House and Senate Republicans has urged action. President Donald Trump could comment on the issue this week, but Democrats report little sign of White House engagement.

"Trump made it pretty clear he’s not considering getting rid of the premium increases. It doesn’t really matter unless we’re negotiating with the White House. So we’re stuck," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) warned that GOP support in the Senate remains uncertain.

"Whether there are 13 of them who will step up and work with us remains to be seen," she said.

Officials and party operatives from both sides increasingly fear there will be no deal, and Democrats may make the issue a focal point of the midterm campaigns, arguing that failing to extend the credits would directly raise costs for patients and families.

Negotiators face a narrowing window: without White House participation and a dependable cohort of Republican senators, an extension may not clear Congress in time to prevent premium increases for many Americans.

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