Interviews with: Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Tim Burchett, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
Sep 24, 2023
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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the importance of avoiding a government shutdown and supporting UAW workers. Sen. Dick Durbin discusses Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption charges. Rep. Tim Burchett opposes short-term spending bills. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick advocate for a bipartisan spending bill. The panel debates on the spending bill and President Biden's engagement with the US labor movement.
Keeping the government running and avoiding a shutdown is crucial to ensure federal workers, like air traffic control, get paid and public services are not disrupted.
The problem solvers caucus, consisting of bipartisan members, proposes a plan to prevent a shutdown by funding the government through a continuing resolution and addressing critical areas like disaster relief and Ukraine.
Deep dives
Importance of Keeping the Government Running
The podcast episode discusses the importance of keeping the government running to avoid a potential shutdown. It emphasizes the negative consequences of a shutdown, such as federal workers not getting paid, disruptions to air traffic control and transportation systems, and delays in services and support for the public. It highlights the need for bipartisan cooperation and a responsible approach to government funding.
Bipartisan Efforts to Avert a Shutdown
The problem solvers caucus, comprising of both Democrats and Republicans, proposes a plan to prevent a government shutdown. This plan includes a continuing resolution to fund the government and provisions for critical areas like disaster relief and Ukraine. The caucus also suggests establishing a fiscal responsibility and debt and deficit commission to address long-term fiscal issues. Members of the caucus express their commitment to finding common ground and keeping the government open.
Republican Divisions and the Role of Kevin McCarthy
The episode highlights divisions within the Republican Party, with hardline Republicans threatening to shut down the government and putting pressure on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The panel discusses McCarthy's leadership and his responsibility to find a solution. They contrast his leadership with that of past speakers, emphasizing the need for strong and effective leadership in addressing the current crisis.
President Biden's Union Support and Michigan Visit
The podcast mentions President Biden's support for unions and his planned visit to Michigan to join an active picket line. It notes his reputation as a pro-union president and his focus on standing with American workers. The panel discusses the significance of Biden's visit and its potential impact on his support among working-class Americans.
First: The United States government continues to be on the verge of shutting down. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says that a shutdown should be avoided because it would prevent government workers such as air traffic control from being paid. He also voices support for UAW workers and President Biden's visit to striking workers in Michigan.
Next: Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) allegedly accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars, a luxury car, and gold bars as bribes from wealthy businesspeople. He was indicted on Friday on corruption charges. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) says that Sen. Menendez rightly lost his leadership position, but whether he resigns is up to him and his constituents.
Then: Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) says that he would not vote for a short-term spending bill because he wants to cut the government's budget. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) say that Congress should pass their bipartisan spending bill to avoid a shutdown.
Later: The panel discusses the US congress's disagreement on a spending bill, and President Biden and the US labor movement.
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