Republicans Condemn Democratic Healthcare Subsidies Amid Government Shutdown Talks

By Michael Katz | Monday, 10 November 2025 05:35 PM EST

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., criticized Democratic policies on healthcare subsidies during an appearance on “The Record With Greta Van Susteren,” stating that the Affordable Care Act has created a failing system. Johnson emphasized that Republican efforts to address rising healthcare costs were undermined by Democrats, who removed key provisions from legislation.

The House passed a continuing resolution on Sept. 19 to fund the government through Nov. 21, but Senate delays have stalled progress. Pandemic-era subsidies for insurance companies are set to expire Dec. 31, prompting Johnson to accuse Democrats of prioritizing financial support for “very wealthy insurance companies” over reducing costs.

Johnson highlighted a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that would lower healthcare premiums by 12.7%, which he claimed was stripped from the bill by Democratic lawmakers. He argued that subsidies “drive premiums up even higher” and called on Republicans to present alternative solutions to stabilize the healthcare system.

Despite Senate procedural advances, Johnson acknowledged uncertainty about when a bipartisan compromise might pass. He reiterated that Democrats lack reform ideas, instead advocating for indefinite subsidies. “We’re going to be educating the population,” he said, vowing to push for changes that address “the root causes of the costs that have skyrocketed.”