Squawk Pod Blackstone’s Steve Schwarzman & House Minority Leader Jeffries 12/18/25
Dec 18, 2025
This discussion features Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader from New York, who dives into health care policy and efforts to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Steve Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, shares insights on the firm's 40th anniversary, discussing the rise of AI and its impact on data centers, and the resilience of private credit. He also critiques Fed policies and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable U.S.-China relationship while remaining optimistic about AI-driven economic growth.
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ACA Subsidy Expiry Will Spike Premiums
- Hakeem Jeffries warns expiration of ACA tax credits will sharply raise premiums and harm working families.
- He says Democrats have the House votes and demand Speaker Mike Johnson act before recess.
Push Immediate ACA Extension Vote
- Do pass a straightforward extension of ACA tax credits and send it to the Senate immediately.
- Keep the House from adjourning until the subsidy extension is voted on, Jeffries urges.
Bipartisan Path Exists In Senate
- Jeffries notes bipartisan Senate support exists and that sending a House bill could enable filibuster-busting negotiations.
- He frames the issue as solvable if Republicans offer good-faith leadership.