Republicans Decry Democrats’ Healthcare Strategy as ‘Playing Games with People’s Lives’

On Friday, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) accused Democrats of lying about healthcare policy, stating they have “absolutely zero appetite for actually helping families” but instead seek subsidies as a political tool.

McClain stated that government healthcare subsidies reveal systemic failure, noting: “These COVID-era extension subsidies… do you know who they go to? They don’t go to the families. They actually go to big insurance companies.”

She further claimed that large insurance companies have seen profits rise 600% since Obamacare—a Democratic initiative—saying: “And, oh, by the way, big insurance companies’ profits have risen 600% since Obamacare, which was a Democratic idea to begin with.”

McClain emphasized that Republicans are focused on lowering costs and premiums for all families. “Has your income increased by 600%? I don’t think so,” she added.

House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) stated that larger healthcare reforms would likely require reconciliation, with the GOP framework including expanded health savings accounts, cost-sharing reductions, and association health plans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is reportedly considering a short-term extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies but with added abortion restrictions to appeal to moderates.

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) warned that Democrats are pushing for subsidy extensions not to improve healthcare but to gain political momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms, calling it “playing games with people’s lives.”

Additionally, Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) expressed support for releasing unedited Pentagon video of a U.S. airstrike, while Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) criticized Democrat-led states for what she described as a persistent refusal.