WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement after Republicans blocked a vote on the Lower Health Care Costs Act, a three-year extension of urgently-needed health care tax credits for Vermonters: 

“A health care crisis is literally days away, yet 48 of my Republican colleagues are refusing to act. We owe it to hardworking families in Vermont and across America to extend these health care tax credits and protect access to quality, affordable health care. Premiums are about to double—even triple—if we don’t take action in the next 20 days,” said Senator Welch. “It couldn’t be more clear: working families, farmers, and seniors can’t afford a massive spike in their premiums; millions could lose their health care; people will be forced to choose between paying for care and putting food on the table. I’m not giving up on the fight to extend these tax credits and protect Vermonters’ access to care.” 

The Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits, which help over 24 million Americans—including nearly 30,000 Vermonters—afford health care, are set to expire on December 31, 2025. So far, Republicans have refused to work with Democrats to avoid this coverage cliff, which would drive up costs for millions. Senate Democrats today offered a three-year extension of the tax credits, which was blocked by Republicans.  

Senator Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, is a champion in the fight to lower health care and prescription drug costs. Last week, he joined Senator Schumer to unveil Senate Democrats’ plan to extend the tax credits and protect access to care for millions.  

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