Congress faces a packed agenda returning to Washington
Second session must address health care costs, immigration and a likely federal government shutdown
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - What Washington did in 2025 will have major impacts on you in the new year.
From rising health care prices, to another possible government shutdown, a month and a half after the longest shutdown in US history, another one looms.
The rising cost of health care and insurance premiums are the common culprit.
Back in November, eight Democrats broke party lines with the promise of a tax credit extension vote. It proved fruitless.
Now, they have until January 30th, 2026 but by then premiums will have already spiked.
That brings us to point two, what it’s likely to cost.
Beginning January 1st, millions of Americans will see exponential increases in the cost of their premiums.
According to data analysis by the non-profit KFF, a 60 year old couple making $85,000 will see their yearly premium payments rise by over $22,600 in 2026.
Gray Media’s Washington News Bureau asked Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, about it.
“Are we going to continue subsidizing as though it’s covered that time has passed, and for the average taxpayer, it’s not right to continue a COVID era. Crisis subsidy for the rest of don’t history. Right. That’s not what it was designed for.”
Democrats are vowing to continue their fight to keep costs down.
The third major legislative priority for 2026 is the border.
The Trump administration indicated they’re looking to close what they a huge loophole for asylum seekers in the US.
They’re asking Homeland Security to dismiss asylum claims, by sending those who say they’re in danger to a third country, not the U.S. It’s a policy likely to play out in court.
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