Post Reports Top GOP leader on shutdown: ‘This could go on for quite some time’
Oct 17, 2025
Shelley Moore Capito, a Senior U.S. Senator from West Virginia and a key player in Senate Republican leadership, discusses the ongoing federal government shutdown. She emphasizes the need to reopen the government before tackling health care reforms, specifically around ACA subsidies. Capito expresses a willingness to vote on a temporary extension but stands firm against the demands that would guarantee outcomes for Democrats. She also raises concerns about the erosion of congressional authority and the implications of extreme online rhetoric among political groups.
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Open First, Negotiate Later
- Senator Shelley Moore Capito says the simplest solution is to open the government first, then negotiate policy issues like health care.
- She warns the stalemate could continue "for quite some time" if both sides don't act.
Reform Expanded Premium Support
- Capito argues pandemic-era premium support expansion needs reform to avoid waste and ensure fairness.
- She frames stewardship of taxpayer dollars as both a policy and political imperative.
Use Temporary Extensions To Buy Time
- Capito says lawmakers could extend subsidies temporarily while crafting reforms and then vote on changes.
- She views a short extension plus negotiated reforms as a reasonable bipartisan path forward.