NBC Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — October 1
Oct 1, 2025
Reps. Madeleine Dean, a Democratic U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, and Dusty Johnson, a Republican U.S. Representative from South Dakota, dive into the urgent topic of the government shutdown. Dean emphasizes the shutdown's threat to vital health care programs like ACA subsidies and services for low-income families. In contrast, Johnson advocates for negotiating while the government remains open, pushing back against claims from Democrats. The discussion reveals the stark divide in strategies and priorities as both parties navigate this political crisis.
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White House Messaging Offensive
- The White House is aggressively framing the shutdown as a Democratic-caused crisis and seeking political advantage.
- They aim to brand it the "Schumer shutdown" and push blame onto Democrats to win the messaging battle.
Layoff Threat As Political Leverage
- The White House signaled layoffs could begin within days as a pressure tactic during the shutdown.
- Officials said programs inconsistent with the president's policies would be targeted for cuts to increase pain on opponents.
Legal Limits On ACA Eligibility
- Federal law currently prohibits ACA subsidies for undocumented immigrants, a central point in the dispute.
- Democrats seek to restore COVID-era subsidy expansions, which Republicans frame misleadingly as giving benefits to undocumented people.
