AFT President Applauds House Vote to Extend ACA Tax Credits

House Extends ACA Tax Credits Following Bipartisan Effort

WASHINGTON—The United States House of Representatives has passed new legislation aimed at extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for an additional three years. This legislative move comes as a response to public concern over rising healthcare costs.

AFT President Randi Weingarten commented on the decision, emphasizing the importance of the vote. “This vote shows that the American people’s disgust still matters to politicians. No doubt every representative is hearing the same message about skyrocketing costs that I’ve heard from my members, friends and family. People are stressed and struggling to afford basic necessities, including healthcare.”

Weingarten criticized last summer’s move by a Republican-controlled Congress to allow the ACA tax credits to lapse, a decision made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which focused on tax cuts for the affluent. This lapse led to increased healthcare premiums affecting over 20 million Americans, primarily in states won by President Trump in the 2024 election.

The recent House decision saw a notable bipartisan effort, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats through a discharge petition to reinstate the tax credits. Weingarten described the legislation as “a lifeline,” and expressed hope that it would encourage Senate Republicans to take similar action.

AFT's Role and Representation

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents a diverse array of professionals, including 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.