Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
In Washington, D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Breaking the Gridlock Act with bipartisan support, extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits for three additional years. The vote followed a discharge petition signed by Rep. Henry Cuellar and other members to bring the bill to the floor.
“With health care costs rising, extending Affordable Care Act tax credits is a cost-of-living issue for families across South Texas and our nation,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I’m fighting for 113,000 of my constituents who are seeing their premiums double, and sometimes triple, in real time. That’s unacceptable. It’s why I signed the discharge petition, voted yes, and overwhelmingly support passage in the Senate to send this legislation to the President’s desk.”
The enhanced premium tax credits were first expanded in 2021 and extended through the end of 2025. With the credits set to expire, Americans who purchase coverage could face higher monthly premiums and increased out-of-pocket costs. Without action by Congress, coverage could become less affordable for millions of families.
The House vote was made possible through the discharge petition process, which allows a majority of House members to bring legislation to the floor when it is not advanced through the committee process. Congressman Cuellar joined colleagues in signing the petition supported by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to move the bill forward and address rising costs.
“In the communities I represent, as well as across the entire country, health care is not a partisan issue,” Congressman Cuellar said. “It’s about being able to see a doctor, fill a prescription, and keep coverage next year. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can deliver real relief and certainty to the families who need it most.”
