WASHINGTON

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Thursday that Democrats in the chamber, along with a small group of Republicans, are advancing legislation to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Jeffries said the legislation is designed to stop increases in premiums, co-pays and deductibles.

Jeffries stressed that the "affordability crisis is not a hoax. It is very real."

He emphasized that every House Democrat supports the bill, along with what he described as a “handful” of Republican colleagues, calling the effort an example of bipartisan cooperation. He noted that additional votes are still needed before the measure can pass the House.

"Every single house Democrat joined by a handful of our Republican colleagues, and we're thankful for the bipartisan partnership that is underway. We have to get that done. There's still two additional votes today before we can get the Affordable Care Act tax credit extension legislation over the finish line," he said.

Jeffries said the immediate focus is on securing House passage before sending the bill to the Senate. "We'll see what Republicans are willing to do to keep their word that they promised to lower the high cost of living in America," he added.

Schumer echoed Jeffries’ comments, saying Democrats are seeking to extend the ACA tax credits for three years to help reduce health care costs.

"Democrats are going to make healthcare and other high costs, the high cost of living, the number one issue for all of 2026," he said.