Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., confronted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., in the Capitol corridors on Wednesday, demanding that the top Democrat endorse a one-year extension of Obamacare subsidies. The exchange, captured by reporters, occurred as Lawler awaited Jeffries following a Democratic leadership press conference.
“Why don’t we sign on right now? Why don’t we sign on right now?” Lawler pressed. “You can easily extend the ACA right now.”
Jeffries retorted, “Did your boss, Donald Trump, give you permission?” and labeled Lawler “an embarrassment.” Lawler replied, “He’s not my boss,” before accusing Jeffries of prioritizing politics over public welfare.
Democrats have framed the expiring tax credits as a key issue in the government shutdown debate, despite the subsidies not lapsing until Dec. 31. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed the urgency as an “eternity” in politics and called the focus a “red herring” to justify the shutdown.
Jeffries rejected a one-year subsidy extension on Tuesday, insisting on permanent measures—a position Republicans oppose, as they seek reductions to pandemic-era benefits. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., introduced a bipartisan bill to extend enhanced ACA subsidies through 2026.
Lawler criticized Jeffries for “partisanship over governance,” stating the leader’s refusal to compromise harms families nationwide. He also condemned Democratic “radicals” like AOC and the Squad for what he called cowardice in shutting down the government.
