Congressman Mike Lawler of New York’s 17th District has joined Representatives Jeff Van Drew, Jen Kiggans, and several other House Republicans in urging Speaker Mike Johnson to prioritize solutions for health care costs following the Senate’s vote to reopen the government. The group sent a letter to Speaker Johnson highlighting concerns about the upcoming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.
The letter was also signed by Representatives Carlos A. Gimenez, Monica De La Cruz, Juan Ciscomani, David Valadao, Rob Bresnahan, Jr., Tom Kean, Jr., Young Kim, Ryan Mackenzie, Brian Fitzpatrick, and Jeff Hurd.
Last month, House Republicans passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21, 2025. According to the lawmakers, Senate Democrats blocked this funding measure, which led to a government shutdown and disrupted critical services.
The expiration date for the current enhanced premium tax credits is December 31, 2025. Lawmakers noted that this deadline was set during Democratic control of Congress and the White House.
In their letter, the lawmakers wrote: “Using the shutdown as leverage to force that debate only prolongs the harm and distracts from the immediate task of reopening the government. Once the government is reopened, however, we should immediately turn our focus to the growing crisis of healthcare affordability and the looming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. Millions of Americans are facing drastic premium increases due to short-sighted Democratic policymaking. While we did not create this crisis, we now have both the responsibility and the opportunity to address it.”
They thanked Speaker Johnson for his leadership during the shutdown and emphasized: “Every day the shutdown continues to hurt the very people we were elected to serve, including the men and women of our Armed Forces, federal law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe, agents who defend our nation’s borders, and public servants who provide essential services to veterans, seniors, and families. Keeping the government closed helps no one and undermines the safety and stability of our country.”
The lawmakers also stated: “We also firmly believe that the government funding debate is not the time or place to address healthcare issues. Using the shutdown as leverage to force that debate only prolongs the harm and distracts from the immediate task of reopening the government.”
They continued: “Once the government is reopened…we should immediately turn our focus to…healthcare affordability…and…the looming expiration of…ACA premium tax credits. Millions…are facing drastic premium increases due to short-sighted Democratic policymaking. While we did not create this crisis…we now have both…the responsibility…and…the opportunity…to address it.”
“Allowing these tax credits to lapse without a clear path forward would risk real harm to those we represent,” they added. “Nevertheless…we must chart a conservative path that protects working families in our districts across the country who rely on these credits.”
The lawmakers stressed: “Let us be clear: significant reforms are needed to make these credits more fiscally responsible and ensure they are going to Americans who need them most. Our Conference and President Trump have been clear that we will not take healthcare away from families who depend on it. This is our opportunity to demonstrate that commitment through action.”
“We stand firmly behind you as you lead our Conference toward ending…the government shutdown,” they concluded. “Once…the government is reopened…we are ready to work with you…to advance healthcare solutions that protect families…and lower costs.”
Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City—covering all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties—and has been recognized for his bipartisan approach in Congress.
