The Brian Lehrer Show Thursday Morning Shutdown Politics
Sep 25, 2025
Deirdre Walsh, an NPR congressional correspondent, dives deep into the looming government shutdown. She discusses the federal functions that might be affected and the agencies facing layoffs. The debate among Democrats over negotiating leverage and their health care priorities is highlighted, alongside the potential for public protests. Walsh also sheds light on Congressional pay during shutdowns and the historical blame game that follows such crises, making for a fascinating exploration of high-stakes politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shutdown Hits Nonessential Workers Hard
- A shutdown furloughs many federal workers while 'essential' programs like Social Security and defense continue.
- The OMB memo threatens layoffs, raising stakes beyond past shutdowns and increasing disruption.
Local Toll On Federal Workers
- Deirdre Walsh recounts neighbors and federal workers who endured months of uncertainty over cuts and court rulings.
- She says such disruption is very personal and destabilizing for communities near federal agencies.
Healthcare Is Democrats' Red Line
- Democrats center their demands on healthcare: extend ACA subsidies and reverse Medicaid eligibility cuts.
- Republicans call health-care fixes a December policy debate and resist reversing core tax-bill changes.