Senator Bill Cassidy joins the show to discuss the recent federal government shutdown, which began at 11 p.m. local time yesterday. He emphasized that while the government is officially closed, many Republicans are still working to resolve the situation. Cassidy blamed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown, citing pressure from the far-left and political maneuvering to oppose former President Trump and Republicans. He referred to the situation as the “Schumer shutdown.”
Cassidy explained the logistics of the shutdown: non-essential federal workers are furloughed, while essential personnel like military members, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents continue working without pay. Services such as passport processing, national park access, and Medicare or Social Security support are disrupted. He expressed concern for enlisted military members who may face financial hardship due to delayed pay.
The senator criticized Schumer’s rejection of a seven-week continuing resolution (CR) proposed by Republicans, which would maintain current spending levels to allow time for negotiation. Instead, Schumer is demanding $1.5 trillion in additional spending, including funding for transgender surgeries for minors and the removal of rural health funding.
Cassidy also addressed issues like healthcare for undocumented immigrants and the continuation of pandemic-era programs, arguing that Democrats are pushing unnecessary spending. He advocated for bipartisan efforts to reduce healthcare costs, particularly through reforms targeting pharmacy benefit managers and prescription drug pricing.
He warned of broader consequences, such as delays in mortgage closings due to halted flood insurance programs and travel disruptions. Cassidy urged the public to pressure elected officials to reopen the government and negotiate reasonably. He concluded by emphasizing the need to focus on practical issues affecting the middle class rather than partisan politics.