Sen. Heinrich’s Statement on Senate Rep…

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has voiced his frustration over the recent decision by Senate Republicans to block legislation aimed at extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits for an additional three years. Heinrich has been a vocal supporter of the ACA tax credits, constantly advocating for their extension to help lessen the financial burden of health care expenses on American families.

The proposed legislation, passed by the House, would have ensured the continuation of the ACA tax credits beyond their December 31, 2025 expiration date. However, President Trump’s threat of a veto and the refusal of Senate Republicans to pass the bill have cast a shadow over the possibility of the credits’ extension.

Heinrich argues that the refusal to extend these tax credits could result in an increase in health care costs for Americans. He believes working families are being squeezed by the rising costs of health care, asserting that lack of support from Republicans in extending these credits demonstrates a lack of concern for the struggles faced by ordinary families.

Heinrich has pledged to keep fighting for the permanent extension of the ACA tax credits, believing it to be a necessary step towards lowering health care costs for families.

During the most recent government shutdown, he criticized Trump and Republicans for their unwillingness to extend the ACA tax credits. He has also publicly appealed to Republicans to negotiate towards a bipartisan solution to extend these credits.

As part of his efforts, the Senator participated in the introduction of the Lower Health Care Costs Act, a bill to extend the ACA premium tax credits for three years. However, Senate Republicans have blocked this legislation as well. BeWell New Mexico estimates that over 6,300 New Mexico enrollees would be affected should the enhanced advanced premium tax credit not be extended by July 2026.

Heinrich’s past voting record includes supporting the American Rescue Plan in 2021, which initially enhanced the premium tax credit, and the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which extended the enhanced premium tax credit through 2025.

Additional to his advocacy for the Lower Health Care Costs Act, Heinrich also sponsors the Health Care Affordability Act of 2025. This act aims to make the enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credit permanent, and would further increase health care marketplace enrollment.

Recently, Heinrich hosted a roundtable with New Mexicans impacted by the potential rise in premiums due to Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits.

In September 2025, Heinrich led a press conference alongside BeWell New Mexico and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. The conference outlined the potential impact of the health care crisis created by Republicans, particularly if the ACA’s premium tax credits are allowed to expire.

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