Kevin Kiley Pushes Bipartisan ACA Lifeline: How the Congressman’s Stand Could Secure Health Subsidies for Millions

Washington—California Republican Representative Kevin Kiley is at the center of a Capitol Hill showdown over whether Congress will extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that millions of Americans use to offset rising health-insurance premiums. With the current credits set to expire on December 31, Kiley has emerged as the most vocal GOP advocate for a bipartisan fix, warning that “families shouldn’t pay the price for congressional inaction.” Kiley’s plan, cosponsored by more than a dozen Republicans and every House Democrat, would extend the subsidies for two years while trimming unrelated federal spending to keep the package deficit-neutral. Fiscal hawks have praised the proposal after the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated it would actually save taxpayers $2 billion over the decade, strengthening Kiley’s argument that the measure is both compassionate and fiscally responsible. House Speaker Mike Johnson has instead advanced a partisan health-care package that omits the subsidy extension, setting up a procedural clash expected to unfold on the floor this week. Democrats have filed a discharge petition to force a vote on Kiley’s bill, and four moderate Republicans—including Kiley—have already signed on, leaving Johnson only three votes to spare. At stake are premium hikes that the Kaiser Family Foundation says could average $720 per household next year if the credits lapse. In Kiley’s suburban Sacramento district, roughly 54,000 residents rely on the subsidies; statewide, the total tops 1.5 million. “California families are looking at a health-care cliff,” Kiley said in a floor speech Tuesday night. “We have a bipartisan solution on the table—let’s pass it before the holidays.” Senate leaders are monitoring the House drama but have signaled they could quickly move Kiley’s language if it clears the lower chamber. President Biden has already indicated he would sign the bipartisan extension. Open-enrollment for 2026 ACA plans continues through January 15, but consumers must enroll by December 31 to avoid coverage gaps. Kiley is urging constituents to lock in plans now and keep receipts in case Congress restores the subsidies retroactively. While the political math remains fluid, one fact is clear: the fate of affordable premiums for millions now hinges on whether Kevin Kiley’s cross-party gambit can break Washington gridlock in the final days of 2025.