Key Takeaways
- Rep. Kevin Kiley protests the government shutdown by working, criticizing his party's leadership.
- Kiley views mid-decade redistricting as political opportunism harming democracy and targeting his seat.
- The government shutdown disputes involve Affordable Care Act subsidies and rescission bills.
- A Washington Post poll indicates 45% of Americans blame Republicans for the current shutdown.
Deep Dive
- Representative Kevin Kiley of California is protesting the government shutdown by continuing to work in the House, despite its indefinite recess.
- Kiley states his physical presence is a commitment to his constituents and a practice of 'what he preaches'.
- The host introduces the segment by highlighting Kiley's unconventional approach to the ongoing shutdown.
- Representative Kiley opposes mid-decade redistricting, viewing it as political opportunism that degrades democracy.
- He introduced a bill to prevent such redistricting, advocating for a 'ceasefire' in the ongoing redistricting conflict.
- House Republican leadership has been unwilling to bring Kiley's bill to a floor vote despite his repeated requests.
- Kiley's own California seat is targeted by Governor Newsom's redistricting efforts, which he believes is retaliation for Texas's actions.
- Kiley's frustration over redistricting is compounded by the government shutdown.
- He became a vocal critic of Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to send the House home indefinitely during the shutdown.
- Kiley argues the House of Representatives should remain in session to address critical issues and fulfill its duties.
- Representative Kiley expresses concern about expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, believing a deal is necessary to prevent significant cost increases for millions.
- He highlights the potential lapse of SNAP benefits as a cascading crisis resulting from the government shutdown.
- Kiley states he is bewildered that the House is not in session to address these critical issues.
- Kiley explains his votes on a president's domestic policy bill and a rescissions bill, cited by Democrats as reasons for the shutdown.
- Republicans approved rescinding $9 billion in previously appropriated funds, which Democrats view as untrustworthy.
- Kiley clarifies that rescissions bills, unlike spending bills, can be passed along party lines due to Senate filibuster rules, not requiring a bipartisan supermajority.
- The host questioned Kiley's responsibility for the shutdown due to his votes on rescissions and healthcare changes, and the trust deficit with Democrats.
- Kiley acknowledged Democratic leaders' perspectives but emphasized focusing on the shutdown's severe consequences for the people.
- He expressed dismay over the Speaker's inaction on his proposed ban of mid-decade redistricting.
- Kiley stated his accountability lies with the House Speaker as the leader of the House, emphasizing the Speaker's role in protecting the institution.
- Kiley questions whether Congress's relevance is diminishing under the current leadership, arguing that the House's inaction during the shutdown is a leadership decision.
- He states a majority of his conference wants Congress to return to session and opposes vacating the Speaker, believing it would further shut down the House.
- Kiley expresses confidence in winning re-election in a potentially redrawn district, citing his strong performance with crossover votes in the 2022 election.
- Representative Kiley identifies excessive partisanship as a major problem, impacting redistricting and causing government shutdowns, contributing to Congress's low approval ratings.
- A Washington Post poll indicated 45% of Americans blame Republicans for the shutdown, compared to 33% blaming Democrats.
- A federal judge expressed frustration over the Trump administration's refusal to fund the SNAP program during the shutdown.