WASHINGTON — Republicans in the House and Senate are showing interest in extending the extra subsidies that help make Affordable Care Act health insurance plans cheaper, and that are set to expire at the end of this year.

This week, Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) introduced the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, which would continue the subsidies through 2026. Eleven Republicans and four Democrats have signed on as sponsors of that bill, which Punchbowl News first reported . Previously, there wasn’t a legislative plan for preserving the tax credits .

The looming end of the credits is one of the biggest health care debates this fall. The fate of the subsidies will likely play a role in government-funding legislation and a potential government shutdown.

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