With just two weeks left in the year, the US Congress is gearing up for a crucial session, with healthcare and defense policy taking center stage. The NDAA, an annual Pentagon policy bill, has a long history of passage, but the expiration of Obamacare subsidies has sparked debate among Republican leaders. Despite some signs of movement from rank-and-file GOP lawmakers, the urgency to address this issue is not shared by party leaders.
A potential compromise has emerged from an unexpected duo: Senators Bernie Moreno (R-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), who represent dueling ideological factions within the Republican Conference. They have proposed extending Obamacare subsidies for two years, with income caps and other reforms. This proposal comes as the Senate is set to vote on a Democratic bill extending subsidies for three years, which is unlikely to gain the necessary 60 votes.
The Moreno-Collins plan aims to cap income eligibility and eliminate zero-premium plans by introducing a $25 minimum monthly payment. It would provide the full tax credit for households with income up to 400% of the poverty level, gradually phasing out for those earning over $200,000. However, this proposal faces challenges as Senate Republicans are unlikely to hold a separate vote on it, leading to frustration among some GOP members.
Other potential alternatives include expanding HSA options through the efforts of Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and legislation mirroring President Trump's proposals by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). These bills have gained some support in the House, particularly from Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX).
Despite these efforts, the political landscape remains complex. Speaker Mike Johnson plans to settle on a healthcare bill this week, with key decisions to be made today and tomorrow. However, the bill's chances of becoming law are slim, as House Republicans may attempt to force a compromise through a discharge petition, a time-consuming and long-shot strategy.
Turning to the NDAA, leading lawmakers have unveiled a compromise version that includes a significant increase in national security spending, the repeal of war powers laws, and a 3.8% pay bump for servicemembers. The bill faced opposition over a proposed expansion of in vitro fertilization coverage, which was ultimately excluded. Notably, the NDAA includes a bicameral push to repeal the 2002 Iraq War and 1991 Gulf War AUMFs, despite the administration's attempts to rename military bases.
The final NDAA bill, however, omitted military base renaming provisions that had bipartisan support. This decision came after President Trump vetoed the FY2021 NDAA due to similar measures, but Congress overrode the veto. With the House Rules Committee meeting on the bill this week, the Senate is poised to act on the NDAA in the week of December 15.
