The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to advance both Republican and Democratic proposals to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of the year, leaving the future cost of healthcare unresolved. Each plan failed 51–48 along party lines. California Senator Alex Padilla criticized the GOP’s alternative, which redirected funds to health savings accounts and limited their use, while Democrats sought a three-year extension of ACA tax credits. Covered California officials warn premiums could rise an average of 97% without federal support, with new enrollment already down 30%. More than 1.8 million Californians have enrolled for 2026 coverage as House lawmakers debate their own proposals.

See Full Page