McClellan Statement on House Passage of ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Extension

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after 17 Republicans joined House Democrats to pass a clean three-year extension of the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, defying House Republican leadership:

“Today, House Democrats and a handful of House Republicans took a giant leap forward to bring relief to millions of Americans unable to afford the rising cost of health care without the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.

“The three-year extension offers a lifeline for those forced into choosing between whether to keep paying for health care, food on the table or other basic necessities. They are small business owners, the self-employed, farmers, gig workers and more — many of whom reported skyrocketing premiums, sometimes more than double what they paid in 2025. After Republicans devastated our health care system by passing the Big Ugly Law, this extension of the ACA tax credits could literally save lives.

“Amidst rising prices across the board, I spent months sharing the stories of people who just want to support their families and themselves while having the peace of mind that they can get the care they need when they need it without going bankrupt. Yet House Republican leadership opposed extending the tax credits at every turn, going so far as to shut down the government rather than consider an extension. It took a few brave members to do right by the American people and help bring this needless worrying to an end.

“The House passage of a clean three-year extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is just the first step. I urge the Senate to quickly pass its own version of the extension and those who voted in favor today to hold the line and continue to support this effort, so that we can finally begin to address our current health care crisis.”