Senate, House Dems Won’t Give Up the Fight for Obamacare

After Democrats met for over two hours to discuss the proposal, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he could not “in good faith” support it.

The majority of Democrats believe that an agreement that doesn’t reduce health care costs is a “betrayal” of millions of Americans counting on Democrats to fight.

“We will not give up the fight,” he said, Mary Clare Jalonick and Lisa Mascaro reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who caucuses with Democrats, said giving up the fight would be a “horrific mistake.” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., agreed, saying that in last week’s elections, people voted overwhelmingly Democratic “to urge Democrats to hold firm.”

Democrats had voted 14 times against reopening the government as they demanded the extension of tax credits that make coverage more affordable under the Affordable Care Act.

Republicans said they would not negotiate on health care, but GOP leaders have been quietly working with the group of moderates as the contours of an agreement began to emerge, Stephen Groves and Kevin Freking also reported for AP.

House Democrats swiftly criticized the Senate deal. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said an agreement that doesn’t reduce health care costs is a “betrayal” of millions of Americans counting on Democrats to fight.

“Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise — it’s capitulation,” Casar said in a post on X.

“Millions of families would pay the price.”

Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota wrote that “if people believe this is a ‘deal,’ I have a bridge to sell you.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans and said Democrats would continue to fight.

“Donald Trump and the Republican Party own the toxic mess they have created in our country, and the American people know it,” Jeffries said.