Poll Reveals Strong Support for Continued Tax Credits Amidst Government Shutdown

Fri Oct 10 2025 11:30:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A recent poll shows that a significant majority of Americans, including Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, are in favor of extending tax credits to prevent a spike in health insurance costs.

As the government shutdown enters a third day, a new poll indicates that 78% of Americans want Congress to extend expiring tax credits tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The survey highlights bipartisan support for the move, with both Democrats and a notable portion of Republicans backing the extension. Failure to act could lead to sharp increases in health insurance premiums affecting millions. As discussions in Congress stall, opinions may shift as more Americans become aware of the potential repercussions.

NEW YORK (AP) — Most Americans want Congress to extend tax credits that, if left to expire at the end of the year, could raise health insurance costs for millions of Americans, according to a new poll released Friday from the health care research nonprofit KFF.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 23-29, reveals that public support for extending the tax credits is strong, showing bipartisan backing that includes majorities of Democrats, Independents, and even Republicans. In fact, 57% of Republicans aligned with President Trump's Make America Great Again movement also support the extension.

The urgency around the tax credits comes amidst a government shutdown that has entered its third day. A Senate standoff has left important health care negotiations on hold. If action isn't taken, health insurance premiums for an estimated 24 million people who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could see their costs more than double, as subsidies designed to keep health coverage affordable could expire.

Interestingly, while the majority (about 78%) favor extending the tax credits, only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults were well aware of the impending expiration of these credits as the shutdown began. This leaves room for public opinion to evolve as more people learn about the potential impact on their finances.

Those opposed to extending the credits seem to lay more blame on the Republicans for failing to act. A striking 8 in 10 adults wanting the credits to continue stated they would primarily blame Trump and the GOP if the subsidies were to expire, while only 2 in 10 would blame Democrats. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among voters as the fiscal policy debate unravels.

As the negotiations continue without resolution, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the stark consequences of failing to extend the credits, expressing concern for millions facing higher premiums due to the impasse. Meanwhile, Republicans attribute the chaos to Democrats holding out on government funding discussions.