As the federal government shutdown stretches into its 13th day, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken a stance that few expected. Known for her strong conservative positions, Greene is now supporting the continuation of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, also known as Obamacare tax credits. Her decision comes as a surprise to many within her own party, especially since most Republicans in Congress are opposing the measure tied to the funding standoff.
Greene’s Unexpected Stand During the Shutdown
The ongoing shutdown began due to disagreements over federal spending and healthcare funding. While most House Republicans want to end subsidies under the ACA, Greene has voiced a different opinion. She argues that cutting these health insurance tax credits could harm families in her own district. Greene said she has been hearing directly from constituents who depend on ACA subsidies to afford their health insurance.
“I’m getting phone calls from people saying if these tax credits expire, they won’t be able to keep their health insurance,” Greene said in an interview with CNN. “They’re going to have to drop it.”
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Her statement marks a significant shift from her earlier hardline stance against Obamacare. But this time, Greene says her focus is on the real-world impact the shutdown and subsidy loss could have on residents of Georgia’s 14th Congressional District.
Health Care Concerns in a Deep-Red District
CBS News Atlanta visited Floyd County, the heart of Greene’s district, to understand how voters feel about her new position. The area, which includes the city of Rome, Georgia, is one of the most Republican-leaning regions in the state. Former President Donald Trump won about 70 percent of the vote there, and Greene herself was re-elected in 2024 with 65 percent support.
Despite this strong conservative base, health care has become a pressing concern for many families. Around 74,000 people in Greene’s district receive their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and nearly all of them depend on federal tax credits to reduce their monthly insurance premiums.
Local Republican leader David Guldenschuh, vice chair of the Floyd County GOP and one of Greene’s early supporters, defended her decision. He said Greene is not abandoning her conservative principles but is instead being “practical” in her approach.
“She understands what she can and can’t do, and she knows sometimes you need to be practical,” Guldenschuh explained. “We do need to supplement the premiums. I think she’s looking out for her constituents. We can’t just let premiums double for people who are using it.”
For many voters, Greene’s decision seems to be about protecting working families rather than changing her political beliefs. Some see it as a necessary step to prevent thousands from losing their health coverage during a difficult economic time.
Mixed but Mostly Supportive Reactions from Voters
In downtown Rome, voter reactions to Greene’s move were mixed but leaned supportive. While some conservative voters expressed surprise, others praised her for paying attention to the needs of her community.
Resident Sara Rogers said she sees Greene’s stance as an example of listening to voters. “I think it’s recognizing who is voting for you,” Rogers said. “If you agree with policies that support the people who live in your area, then people are more likely to reelect you.”
Another local resident, Danny Grissom, said Greene’s position sounds like an attempt to help working Americans who are struggling with the cost of healthcare. “Sounds like she’s trying to look after the little guy,” Grissom said. “As long as it’s Americans we’re talking about saving money for, and not giving our money away.”
Many voters in Floyd County echoed a similar sentiment. They said the congresswoman’s decision shows a focus on practical solutions rather than party politics. Some even described her stance as a reflection of “doing what’s right” for the district during a difficult period.
Guldenschuh added that her main goal appears to be keeping the government running while ensuring that people in northwest Georgia are not harmed by the political gridlock in Washington. “She’s going to do what’s right for the government to help it run correctly,” he said. “But most importantly, what’s right for the people.”
Despite the heated national debate, local reactions show that voters value stability and access to health care above partisan loyalty. Many residents said they support the move if it means families can continue receiving affordable coverage.
As the shutdown continues, this unexpected stance on Obamacare subsidies has sparked new conversations across Georgia’s 14th District. The congresswoman’s choice to side with Democrats on this single issue may not alter her conservative reputation, but it highlights a growing concern among Republican voters about healthcare affordability in rural America.
CBS News Atlanta reported that her office has not yet issued an official comment, but her statements on national television have already drawn significant attention inside and outside the district.
For now, one thing remains clear: while Congress continues to debate funding priorities in Washington, voters in northwestern Georgia are watching closely — and many are standing behind their representative’s decision to protect health coverage amid the ongoing government shutdown.
