Transcript: Reps. Tom Suozzi and Don Bacon on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 16, 2025

Published: Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 5:13 pm

Bipartisan Effort to Address Healthcare Costs Faces Challenges

In a recent interview on "Face the Nation," Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Don Bacon (R-NE) discussed the pressing issue of rising healthcare costs and the looming expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The representatives, members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, acknowledged the need for action as these tax credits, which help approximately 22 million Americans, are set to expire.

Representative Bacon emphasized the need for a temporary extension of the tax credits to prevent premium increases. He proposed a compromise that includes income caps and ensures that the credits directly lower premiums, addressing concerns that a portion of the funds currently do not reach their intended purpose. Representative Suozzi supported the extension, highlighting its potential to save individuals thousands of dollars annually, particularly for those earning under $200,000. He also noted that the proposed income cap, phasing out for those earning between $200,000 and $400,000, would affect a small percentage of recipients.

The discussion also touched upon broader healthcare reform. Both representatives agreed on the need for bipartisan collaboration to address the unsustainability of rising premiums. Representative Bacon suggested exploring options like subsidizing high-risk individuals to lower overall costs. Representative Suozzi advocated for mending the ACA rather than ending it, emphasizing the importance of working together to expand coverage and lower prices.

The conversation also included the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the recent cyber attack by China.

BNN's Perspective: The discussion highlights the complexities of healthcare reform and the challenges of achieving bipartisan consensus. While both representatives expressed a desire to address rising costs, significant hurdles remain. The proposed compromise on tax credits offers a temporary solution, but a long-term strategy is needed to address the underlying issues within the healthcare system. The focus on collaboration, while commendable, will be tested by the political realities of a divided Congress.

Keywords: healthcare costs, Affordable Care Act, premium tax credits, bipartisan, Tom Suozzi, Don Bacon, healthcare reform, insurance premiums, income caps, cyber security, China, Jeffrey Epstein

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