Senate GOP Leader Won’t Commit to Vote as Key ACA Subsidies Near Expiration

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday he would not promise a vote this week on a Republican health care proposal as enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies approach expiration, leaving lawmakers racing against the clock.

Democrats plan to force a Senate vote later this week on a bill that would extend the enhanced ACA subsidies for three years without changes. The Democratic measure lacks sufficient Republican support to pass and is expected to fail, but GOP leaders agreed to allow the vote after Democrats demanded it as part of reopening the government during the prolonged shutdown.

Republicans Divided

Republicans remain split on how to respond. Some GOP senators are willing to let the subsidies lapse, while others worry that higher insurance premiums could damage the party’s standing in the midterm elections. Party leaders say they want to present a united position before moving forward, but no consensus has emerged.

GOP Response And Competing Proposals

GOP lawmakers say they have multiple alternatives and are open to negotiating with Democrats — but only after the expected Democratic "messaging" vote. Thune described the upcoming Democratic push as primarily political, arguing Republicans should not be rushed by the Democrats’ timetable.

"We’re going to have a conversation tomorrow with our members and kind of decide the path forward. We could — we have some good options. But this, to me, on the Democrats’ part, is a messaging exercise," Thune said, while acknowledging that Republicans "have people in different camps" on how to handle the expiring tax credits.

Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) unveiled legislation to extend the subsidies for two years while adding GOP-favored changes such as income caps and premium mandates. That bill, like other Republican alternatives, is not expected to reach the floor this week.

Thune also referenced a proposal from Sens. Mike Crapo and Bill Cassidy, noting it does not include an extension of the subsidies. He said there may be room for bipartisan work if Democrats engage constructively, but he characterized the immediate Democratic move as focused on political messaging rather than negotiation.

Voices From The GOP

Sen. Tommy Tuberville warned of political consequences if Republicans fail to present a credible plan, urging the party to coalesce around an approach that could win bipartisan support. "It very well could be, if we don’t come up with something that lets the American people know that we’re trying to fix this, and we are," Tuberville said.

Sen. Roger Marshall said he hopes Republicans will gain clarity in the coming days but was skeptical a definitive solution would be reached by week’s end given the delay caused by the shutdown.

A senior GOP aide told reporters Republicans are unlikely to hold a vote this week on any alternative to the Democrats’ proposal. The Democratic bill is expected to be brought to the floor on Thursday, though a schedule had not been finalized.

What Happens Next: Lawmakers will continue internal GOP discussions and negotiations with interested Democrats after the expected messaging vote. With key subsidies set to expire soon, pressure is mounting for a legislative path that can win enough votes to become law.

This story was updated with additional details. Contributions by CNN’s Alison Main, Arlette Saenz and Ellis Kim.