General Discussion

The repubs aren't having to spin this as a "cave" by the Democrats. We're doing that ourselves. We could -- and should -- be emphasizing that we have ensured that 42 million American families, all scraping by at below 130% of the poverty level -- will be able to put food back on their table, now. That federal employees will start getting paid and will get back pay. That there will be no reductions in force between now and the end of January.

Look, I'm a supporter of Universal Health Care. But I'm also a realist and I would not sacrifice the ability of 42 million of my fellow Americans to put food on the table now in pursuit of Universal Health Care. So the question becomes where is the line. Right now a SNAP-eligible family of four receives, on average, $715 per month. The cost of $2000 monthly ACA premium in 2026 for a family of four at 150% of the poverty level will go from zero -- the cost with the enhanced subsidy -- to $168 per month without the enhanced subsidy. A family of four making 350% of the federal poverty level -- or more than $110,000 a year -- will see the cost of their new $2000 monthly premium increase by $250, from $680 with the enhanced subsidy to $930 with the enhanced subsidy.

Again, I'm for universal health care and I'm not cavalier about the health care crisis and the increased cost of insurance without not only the original subsidies but the enhanced subsidies. But I'm also not cavalier about 42 million low-income families -- an insane number in what claims to be the wealthiest nation in the world -- going without food assistance right now. No one who currently has health insurance will lose it before the end of the year. That's six weeks to try and find a solution to the health care issue during which families now will be able to eat.

IMO, that's how it should be spun -- not that we've "caved."