The Democratic National Committee is launching an ad campaign targeting four vulnerable Republican senators ahead of crucial Senate votes on Affordable Care Act tax credits that impact over 20 million Americans.
As the Senate prepares for critical votes on competing health care tax credit measures, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is rolling out a new advertising campaign aimed at four Republican senators deemed vulnerable in their re-election bids next year.
The campaign, which was first shared with Fox News Digital, specifically targets Senators Susan Collins of Maine, John Cornyn of Texas, Jon Husted of Ohio, and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. The DNC criticizes these senators for their repeated votes against extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, which could lead to significant increases in health care premiums for millions of Americans.
To reach voters, the DNC is employing digital takeovers of local newspapers in the states represented by these senators, along with additional digital advertisements. The campaign also highlights Republican Senators Ted Cruz of Texas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Bernie Moreno of Ohio.
Currently, over 20 million Americans depend on these tax credits to make their health insurance more affordable under the ACA, commonly referred to as Obamacare. The Democratic Party has consistently emphasized the importance of health care costs and the impending expiration of these tax credits as part of their broader strategy to advocate for affordability. This messaging has proven effective, contributing to significant victories in recent elections.
DNC Chair Ken Martin emphasized the stakes involved in the Senate vote, stating, “Today’s Senate vote to extend the ACA tax credits could be the difference between life and death for many Americans. Over 20 million Americans will see their health care premiums skyrocket next year if Susan Collins, John Cornyn, Jon Husted, and Dan Sullivan do not stand with working families and vote to extend these lifesaving credits.”
Despite the urgency, neither of the competing proposals regarding Obamacare is expected to pass. Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, argue that their plan to extend the enhanced ACA premium credit subsidies is the most effective way to prevent a surge in health care premiums on the exchange.
On the other hand, Senate Republicans are resistant to extending these subsidies without reforms. They argue that the current program primarily benefits insurance companies rather than individuals utilizing the marketplace and that the enhanced credits are susceptible to fraud and abuse.
Earlier this week, Senate Republicans reached a consensus on a proposal from Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mike Crapo of Idaho, who chair the Senate health and finance panels. This plan suggests completely abandoning the enhanced credits in favor of health savings accounts (HSAs), which would be seeded with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 based on age, among other adjustments favored by the GOP.
However, the Cassidy and Crapo proposal is just one of several options being considered by Republicans. Collins has also put forth a plan, in collaboration with Moreno, that has garnered interest from some Senate Democrats. This proposal would extend the subsidies for an additional two years while implementing income caps at $200,000 per household and eliminating zero-cost premiums to prevent fraud.
Husted has proposed a similar extension of the subsidies for two years, which also includes income caps and the elimination of zero-cost premiums. However, his plan incorporates stricter enforcement of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer funding for abortions, a stipulation that Senate Democrats are unlikely to accept.
The likelihood of any proposals being acted upon in the Senate before the deadline remains uncertain, particularly as next week will be dominated by the annual defense bill and the consideration of President Donald Trump’s nominees.
The DNC’s digital ad campaign is making its presence felt in several key local publications, including the Bangor Daily News in Maine, the San Antonio Express-News and San Antonio Current in Texas, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Medina Gazette in Ohio, and the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska, aiming to sway public opinion ahead of the Senate votes.
According to Fox News, the DNC’s targeted approach reflects the party’s commitment to addressing health care affordability and its potential impact on millions of Americans.