The recent reopening of the U.S. government after a prolonged 43-day shutdown has left Congress facing a series of pressing legislative tasks in the coming weeks. One major issue remains unresolved: the expiring health care subsidies that were at the heart of the recent political standoff.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
The reopening of the government was a significant step, but Congress still faces critical challenges. NPR congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh provides insight into the congressional agenda.
DEIRDRE WALSH, BYLINE: Hello, Scott.
SIMON: After more than 50 days away, the House returned for a brief session, yet Speaker Mike Johnson assured a more vigorous return. What should we expect?
WALSH: Speaker Johnson anticipates extensive sessions ahead, focusing primarily on funding federal agencies. The recent stopgap measure signed by the president only temporarily averted a shutdown, and Congress now faces a looming deadline at the end of January to finalize spending bills. Historically, Congress has struggled to pass comprehensive yearlong funding bills, suggesting the possibility of another stopgap measure.
SIMON: There’s also a promise from Republicans to address health care by mid-December. What does this entail?
WALSH: Interestingly, this promise originated from Senate Republicans. During the shutdown, informal bipartisan discussions took place in the Senate to address the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits. A proposed framework aims to extend these credits for a year while introducing reforms, like limiting eligibility and curbing waste, fraud, and abuse. New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat involved in these negotiations, expressed her support for some Republican-backed changes.
JEANNE SHAHEEN: “For example, a cap on income and who can benefit from the premium tax credits. I mean, that’s legitimate.”
SIMON: Deirdre, while there may be bipartisan cooperation in the Senate, House Republicans face different political dynamics. Does Speaker Johnson plan to advance a health care vote?
WALSH: Speaker Johnson is under pressure from swing-district Republicans favoring an extension of these tax credits. However, many House conservatives oppose the Affordable Care Act and resist extending any components of it. Johnson attributes rising health care costs to Democratic policies and claims House Republicans have numerous ideas to reduce expenses, though he has yet to detail them. His recent statements suggest a lack of urgency in addressing this matter.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
MIKE JOHNSON: “The Republicans would demand a lot of reforms before anything like that was ever possible. And we have to go through that deliberative process.”
SIMON: Beyond health care, another pressing issue involves a vote on releasing documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. What are the expectations?
WALSH: The speaker is compelled to address this matter with a House vote slated for early December. However, amid growing Republican calls for transparency, the vote will occur this week. The Epstein document release presents political challenges for both the Republican Party and the White House. The bill, which mandates the release of Justice Department files, is gaining bipartisan support despite pressure from Trump officials to block it. The House Oversight Committee has already been investigating, but the current legislation targets Justice Department files. The bill is expected to pass, increasing pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to act.
SIMON: Thanks to NPR’s Deirdre Walsh for the update.
WALSH: You’re welcome.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
