The Brian Lehrer Show Call Your Senator: Sen. Andy Kim on the Shutdown and More
Oct 1, 2025
Senator Andy Kim, a U.S. Senator from New Jersey and former federal civil servant, discusses pressing issues including the government shutdown and healthcare. He explains the immediate impacts of the shutdown on federal services and employees. Kim emphasizes the importance of protecting healthcare subsidies and addresses concerns over deportations and Homeland Security. He advocates for grassroots movement-building against political challenges and shares his perspective on national security and peace efforts in the Middle East, urging a focus on diplomacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Selective Impact Of The Shutdown
- The shutdown furloughs hit education, commerce, labor, state, and agriculture hardest while many military personnel keep working without pay.
- Critical services like USPS and Social Security continue, but cybersecurity and CISA face major readiness risks with ~65% furloughs.
Immediate Health Care Cliff
- Ending enhanced ACA subsidies would sharply raise premiums for millions and reduce coverage for millions more starting immediately.
- Open enrollment decisions begin November 1, so delays or cuts become urgent practical harms this month.
Lead By Withholding Pay
- Forego congressional pay while the shutdown persists to show solidarity with furloughed workers.
- Use public pressure and elections to hold leaders accountable for causing unpaid furloughs and dereliction.