Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a motion to advance a Democrat-drafted bill to extend enhanced health insurance premium subsidies that are due to expire at the end of 2025, tax credits that Democrats say are needed to keep premiums from rising by double-digits next year.

The legislation, which needed 60 votes to advance, failed by a vote of 51 to 48.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voted for the Democratic plan to extend the enhanced health insurance tax credits, even though both lawmakers have called for reforms to the program. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), who is up for re-election next year, and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) also voted for the Democratic proposal.

The unusual vote on a Democratic-crafted health care plan while Republicans control the Senate was set up by a deal Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) struck with centrist Democrats to end a 43-day government shutdown.

The proposal, unveiled by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), would have extended the enhanced subsidies, which were first enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, another three years.

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