6:50Sen. Adam Schiff, Democrat representing California, is featured on ABC News’ “This Week” on Nov. 9, 2025.ABC News
This Sunday, Sen. Adam Schiff, representing California as a Democrat, refuted President Donald Trump's weekend proposition for senators to divert funds from the Affordable Care Act, specifically those intended for insurance providers, and instead allocate them "directly to the people." Speaking to George Stephanopoulos, the host of ABC’s "This Week," Schiff asserted that such a move would compromise the ACA’s safeguards for individuals with preexisting health conditions.
"We remain uncertain about the president's precise intentions, though it seems to echo the same old, predictable scheme of dismantling the Affordable Care Act, providing individuals with a benefit in the form of a health savings account, while simultaneously allowing insurance companies to once again rescind policies and deny coverage to those with preexisting health conditions," Schiff stated.
On Saturday, Trump declared via social media that Americans could acquire their own, "superior healthcare," and have funds "remaining" if funds weren't channeled to "money sucking Insurance Companies" via the ACA.
"Thus, the very insurance companies he is criticizing in those posts, he is essentially saying, 'I'm going to grant you greater authority to terminate people's policies and deny them coverage if they have a pre-existing condition,' — which was a key issue the ACA aimed to resolve," Schiff noted.
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on Nov. 9, 2025.ABC News
The California senator suggested that Trump’s latest proposition showcases the lack of a concrete healthcare strategy from Republicans. He alluded to an instance during Trump’s general election debate against Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris in September 2024, where, when questioned about a replacement strategy for the ACA, he mentioned having the "concepts of a plan."
"So, no, I believe the president is, once more, revealing that even now, more than eight years after his entrance on that golden escalator, they still lack a healthcare plan. They’re still resorting to what Trump once termed 'the concept of a plan,'" Schiff remarked.
"Amid a government closure, when people are genuinely struggling, we require more than just concepts," Schiff stressed. "Let’s simply extend the ACA for another year, reopen the government, and then we can engage in discussions to find a more lasting solution to this dilemma," he concluded.
On Sunday, Schiff implied that Republicans might "deceive" on any agreement Democrats ultimately make with them to resolve the shutdown.
Following the Democratic suggestion put forth on Friday by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, which proposed a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies to facilitate the government’s reopening — a proposition Republicans have dismissed as a non-starter, asserting that any healthcare negotiations must still occur after the government resumes operations, Schiff stated that any eventual agreement reached by Democrats to conclude the impasse would necessitate "genuinely strong assurances" in legislation that couldn’t be easily disregarded.
"We have the president telling us presently, Republicans informing us now: they won't respect any agreement we strike with them. They're conveying to us 'We'll allocate funds to whatever, funds we consent to for a continuing resolution to finance the government. However, we're advising you beforehand, we intend to revoke the funding you desire,'" Schiff conveyed.
"They're essentially saying they'll betray an agreement, and whatever agreement we reach must include some genuinely solid guarantees in that legislation that they simply cannot disregard after it's finalized," he added, noting ongoing "discussions" within the Senate between members of both parties regarding a potential compromise.
On the 40th day of the shutdown, Schiff criticized Trump for his unwillingness to negotiate with Democrats to end the stalemate, while also asserting that Republicans are unable to finalize any deals without his approval.
Trump stated as recently as Sunday morning on his social media platform that he "remains ready" to collaborate with both parties to resolve the healthcare matter "once the government is open."
"[A resolution to the shutdown] won't materialize until the president leaves the golf course, exits his ballroom planning, and engages in negotiation," Schiff stated. "Otherwise, I anticipate this will persist because Senate Republicans will refrain from action without the president's consent and endorsement, and House Republicans are merely content to remain detached while individuals endure hardship."
Schiff, who has historically advocated for the elimination of the Senate filibuster, stated he would still be "pleased" for the rule to be removed — but questioned the motives of Trump, and select other Republicans, in pushing for its removal.
"I have remained opposed to the filibuster, and would be pleased to eliminate it, but the query is…for what purpose?" Schiff questioned.
Schiff didn’t explicitly state whether he would now cast a vote against the filibuster.
"I would eliminate it to enable us to broaden and safeguard people's liberties and rights. The Republicans and the president are presently discussing eliminating a filibuster so they can elevate people's healthcare expenses. That is the inappropriate motivation for eliminating a filibuster. And ultimately, what is going to protect the American populace?"
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
