Failure of rival health bills underscores impasse in US politics

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Andy HirschfeldDecember 11, 2025 at 08:52 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In December 2025, the US Senate rejected both Democrat and Republican-led healthcare bills aimed at addressing rising insurance costs. Democrats proposed extending COVID-era Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, but the measure failed to reach the 60 votes needed despite support from all Democrats and four Republicans. This bill aimed to prevent significant premium increases, potentially doubling costs for many. Republicans put forth a bill to provide up to $1,500 to individuals and families with lower incomes to help cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs, but this also failed to pass. The failure of both bills highlights the political impasse in addressing healthcare affordability in the United States.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Lisa Murkowski 50% Susan Collins 50% Josh Hawley 50% United States ×250% Chuck Schumer ×280% Nicole Sheaff 80%

Keywords

healthcare 100% health insurance 80% political impasse 70% healthcare costs 70% affordable care act 60% covid-era subsidies 60% republican bill 50% democratic bill 50% healthcare premiums 50% out-of-pocket costs 40%