Bipartisan Lawmakers Propose ACA Subsidy Compromise to End Government Shutdown

By Sam Barron | Monday, 03 November 2025 07:13 PM EST

Four House lawmakers, two Republicans and two Democrats, have introduced a “statement of compromise” aimed at extending subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), potentially resolving the government shutdown after over 30 days. The proposal was authored by Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., who emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration.

“We may not agree on every ideal outcome, but we’ve identified a fair, reasonable path forward on the future of the Affordable Care Act’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” the representatives stated. They argued that compromise is essential to restore trust in Congress and prioritize American interests.

The plan includes a two-year extension of enhanced tax credits with income thresholds ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 for eligibility. It also introduces reforms requiring ACA marketplaces to verify recipient eligibility against the Death Master File and implement a “preponderance of evidence” standard for brokers.

Bacon highlighted that the proposal could provide Democrats an exit from their demands to extend ACA subsidies beyond year-end, contingent on its inclusion in a long-term government funding bill. While the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus has not yet endorsed the plan, Senate Republicans like Alaska Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski have been developing separate proposals.

Sam Barron has nearly two decades of experience covering politics, crime, and business.