[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                               Healthcare

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, this week, we have an opportunity to lower 
healthcare costs for the American people. For months, my Republican 
colleagues have refused to extend existing Affordable Care Act tax 
credits that help nearly 22 million Americans afford quality 
healthcare. These tax credits have been one of the single most 
successful tools to ensure that every American has access to the care 
they need.
  As we near the end of the healthcare enrollment period for the new 
year, Michiganders are experiencing the real-world consequences of 
Republicans' actions. Right now, folks across Michigan are shopping for 
2026 healthcare coverage. When they log on to the Marketplace, they are 
seeing staggering--staggering--price hikes for the exact same coverage 
they currently have.
  For example, this year, an average plan for a 26-year-old living in 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula costs about $340 a month. Next year, that 
monthly payment is scheduled to double, costing them $600 to $800 per 
month.
  A family of four living in Detroit paid $980 a month in 2025 for the 
average plan. What that same plan will cost now if Republicans allow 
these essential healthcare credits to expire--well, that family is now 
going to be paying $2,700 a month.
  Finally, let's take a 64-year-old couple living in Kent County. They 
currently pay roughly a $600 monthly premium for their coverage, but 
soon that cost will be over $2,000 a month for just their premium if 
Republicans continue to block these healthcare credits.
  Remember, these monthly costs don't even count towards their 
deductibles. Folks will still have to pay more before their insurance 
even kicks in.
  It is simply unacceptable to let these subsidies expire, and every 
single Member of Congress knows it. Working families cannot afford 
these increases without sacrificing other necessities, especially as 
inflation is making the cost of everyday goods more expensive.
  We know the Trump tariffs are adding thousands of dollars of costs to 
the average family each and every year. As a result, too many families 
are being forced to make a gut-wrenching decision to go without their 
healthcare coverage altogether.
  According to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
services, nearly 14,000 fewer Michiganders have enrolled in the 
Affordable Care Act plan compared to this time last year. That is 
almost 14,000 Michiganders who may have to go without healthcare all 
next year because my Republican colleagues refuse to act.
  We know that when less people have insurance, it drives up the cost 
of healthcare for everybody else in the country.
  There is no question that America is facing a healthcare 
affordability crisis, and these credits are the best tool we have to 
provide some financial relief right now--right now--for families who 
desperately need it. But Republicans have made it clear time and time 
again that they are perfectly fine letting this program expire, all the 
while offering no true alternative vision for how we can keep 
healthcare costs down for everyday Americans.
  But Democrats--we are not going to sit back. We are not going to 
stall any further. This week, the Senate will vote on a bill that would 
extend these critical tax credits for 3 years. This commonsense 
proposal would protect access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare 
that helps keep American families healthy.
  Simply put, if we pass this bill, we could literally save lives. That 
is exactly why I voted to pass the Affordable Care Act into law during 
my first time in the U.S. House back in 2009.
  This week, I will proudly vote, once again, to make healthcare more 
affordable and accessible for every American. That is who we are as 
Democrats. That is what we have always fought for because we believe 
that access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental right.
  For the sake of hard-working Americans in Michigan, as well as all 
across our country, I hope my Republican colleagues will join us in 
protecting that fundamental right.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.