Senate Republicans are conditioning the extension of crucial Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies—set to expire at the end of the year—on the adoption of stricter abortion restrictions within insurance plans.

The funding extension is vital to preventing major premium hikes for over 20 million Americans insured under the ACA, with estimates suggesting some could face increases of thousands of dollars per month, raising concerns about millions choosing to go uninsured.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) indicated that negotiations for a one-year extension would occur after the government reopens, but emphasized that enhanced rules pertaining to the Hyde Amendment would be a prerequisite.

The Hyde Amendment currently bars federal funds from being used for abortion, a restriction alr

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