U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) has issued a statement following his vote to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. The measure aims to prevent immediate increases in health insurance premiums for residents in his district.
Bresnahan explained his decision, stating, “I came to Congress to fight for an economy that works for the people, and I consider health insurance a part of those dialogues, just as must as the cost to fill your gas tank or put food on the table. Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promise of lowering insurance costs, and families in NEPA are paying the price. But the only thing worse than a three-year extension of these credits is to let them expire with no solution or off-ramp. I voted for this because, as of right now, it is the only path forward that keeps discussions alive to protect the 28,000 people in my district from immediate premium spikes.”
He added that ongoing reforms are needed but emphasized action over inaction: “While we continue working toward meaningful reforms to fix what is broken, I will not sit idly by and let my constituents bear the brunt of a failure caused by both parties. It is time to put politics aside, fight for our people, and come together around a pragmatic, sustainable, and bipartisan solution. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to come to a result that can be signed into law and make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
The extension is intended as a temporary measure while lawmakers seek longer-term solutions for healthcare affordability.
