“All Republicans have to do is say ‘yes’ to extend current law for one year.”AdvertisementBut Republicans quickly shot it down, insisting that Senate Democrats first agree to make reforms to the program, including an income cap for eligibility and a gradual wind-down. “It’s a horrible idea,” Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) said of Schumer’s offer. Scott ApplewhiteRepublicans rejected Schumer’s proposal almost immediately, reiterating that any conversations about extending the health care subsidies can only occur after Democrats vote to reopen the government. ), meanwhile, told reporters the Democrats’ offer is “an indication that they’re feeling the heat.”“I guess you could characterize that as progress, but I just don’t think that it gets anywhere close to what we need to do here,” he added. AdvertisementWhile Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are at risk for more than 20 million households, Democrats have remained focused on the lapse of health care subsidies that help more than 20 million Americans buy health insurance on ACA exchanges.
