Senator Thune on Continuing Resolutions and Healthcare Policy

Continuing Resolutions and Policy Changes

• 🎯 Continuing resolutions (CRs) are not the appropriate venue for significant healthcare policy changes, according to Senator John Thune.
• 💡 Thune quoted a Democrat, stating that CRs are for funding the government and allowing the appropriations process to continue, not for loading up major policy shifts.

ACA Tax Credits Discussion

• 🔑 Thune acknowledged that there is openness to discussing the Obamacare premium tax credits (ACA subsidies) among Republican senators and House members.
• 🗓️ These changes are set to occur on January 1 of next year, providing an opportunity for conversation and potential reforms between now and then.
• 🏛️ The Senate is also ready to vote on a defense authorization bill that has been held up, indicating other legislative priorities are waiting.

Legislative Vehicles for Policy

• 💰 Thune suggested that policy conversations, including healthcare extenders, often happen in year-end legislative vehicles.
• ⚠️ He criticized the idea of holding a 7-week continuing resolution hostage to push through a trillion dollars of policy, calling it "unheard of" and "not serious."
• 📈 The appropriate time for broader policy discussions would be when the government is fully funded for the fiscal year, after appropriation bills have cleared and been considered.