Connecticut Delegation Blocks Shutdown Deal Over Health Subsidies

UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, Connecticut’s congressional delegation has firmly opposed a funding deal that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which has lasted for 43 days. The House, returning from a nearly two-month recess, voted 222-209 to reopen the government, but Connecticut’s five House members were absent from the yes votes, citing critical concerns over health care subsidies.

The objection centers on the lack of provisions to extend enhanced premium subsidies for those enrolled in the Affordable Care Act, affecting residents using Access Health CT. Without congressional action, these vital subsidies are set to expire on December 31, 2023, potentially increasing health care costs for many Connecticut families.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the shutdown’s toll, stating, “The whole exercise was pointless, it was wrong, it was cruel,” as the funding package moves forward. However, the absence of a guarantee for health care subsidies remains a pressing concern for the delegation.

Officials are scrambling to address the impending expiration of these subsidies, with U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes emphasizing, “We can’t concede defeat just based on what [Speaker] Johnson is going to do.” House Democrats are preparing to initiate a procedural move known as a discharge petition to secure a vote for a three-year extension of the subsidies, but they will need 218 signatures, requiring bipartisan support.

As the Senate GOP leadership has promised a vote on the ACA subsidies by mid-December, uncertainty looms over whether sufficient Republican support will materialize. If all Senate Democrats back the proposal, they will still need to win over seven Republican senators to meet the necessary 60-vote threshold for passage.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “We should have been working on this literally every day before now.” With only weeks left before the subsidy expiration, Connecticut Democrats are committed to keeping the issue alive, rallying support for their constituents.

In addition to health care funding concerns, the deal also excluded funding for the Columbia-class submarine program, raising alarms among defense advocates. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney criticized the Senate for neglecting this critical funding during negotiations, especially after the House was in recess for over 50 days.

As the clock ticks down to the end of January when short-term funding runs out, lawmakers face the risk of another government shutdown. The urgency for a resolution on the funding and health care subsidies is palpable, as the repercussions will directly impact millions across the nation.

Connecticut’s delegation is vowing to continue their fight for health care subsidies, with DeLauro expressing concern over the limited time left for negotiations. “When we come to January 30, we will see what progress has been made,” she stated, while highlighting the need for bipartisan collaboration to avoid further disruptions.

This developing situation is crucial for those relying on health care subsidies, and as tensions rise, the stakes for Connecticut families have never been higher. Share this story to keep your community informed about these urgent developments.