Gridlock sinks Obamacare subsidies extension amid Hyde dispute

Lawmakers spent months trying to extend the pandemic-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies but failed to reach a deal, with key impasses over the Hyde Amendment abortion policy, fraud concerns, and overall cost. The stalemate occurred against a backdrop of a looming government funding deadline and a protracted shutdown, leaving millions facing higher ACA premiums in 2026 and shaping the midterm political narrative as Democrats argue for relief and Republicans point to structural health‑care costs and fraud fixes.