Caring More About the American People than a Temporary Federal Shutdown | Guest: Rep. Andy Biggs | 9/29/23
Sep 29, 2023
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Rep. Andy Biggs, Member of US House of Representatives, joins the podcast to discuss the progress of budget brinksmanship, appropriations bills, and the fear of a temporary federal shutdown. They also address concerns about trust in leadership, rising debt consequences, mRNA in autopsies, identifying cuts in the government, GOP bills, and strategies for regaining power and passing desired policies.
Addressing critical issues like spending, inflation, and border security is crucial for changing the direction of the country and tackling the debt crisis.
The use of a clean CR to temporarily keep the government open is a subject of debate, with some seeing it as an opportunity to pass critical policies and others concerned about potential compromise.
Framing a government shutdown as an opportunity to address spending, inflation, and border security can send a clear message to the American people about the unsustainability of the current path.
Deep dives
The urgency to fight against harmful government policies
Congressman Andy Biggs emphasizes the need to address critical issues such as spending, inflation, and border security. He stresses the importance of finishing the budget bills, passing individual appropriation bills, and standing behind them. The goal is to change the direction of the country and tackle the debt crisis.
Debating the strategy for a continuing resolution (CR)
There is a difference of opinion regarding the use of a clean CR to keep the government open temporarily. While some argue that it provides an opportunity to unify the conference and pass critical policies, others express concern that it may lead to negotiation and compromise, ultimately diluting the desired outcomes. The trustworthiness of the leadership is questioned, with doubts about whether they would stand behind the provisions agreed upon.
The need for a government shutdown and messaging strategy
Congressman Biggs believes that a government shutdown is necessary to draw attention to critical issues. He suggests framing the shutdown as an opportunity to address spending, inflation, and border security. The focus should be on sending a clear message to the American people that the current path is unsustainable and detrimental to the country. Highlighting the adverse effects of inflation and the need for responsible budgeting is crucial.
The importance of passing individual appropriation bills
Congressman Biggs emphasizes the significance of passing the remaining appropriation bills and standing behind them. He highlights the need to address programs that are overspending and not aligned with conservative values. Republicans should unify and refuse to negotiate if it compromises the core principles they stand for.
Concerns about a debt commission and potential compromises
Congressman Biggs expresses concern over the inclusion of a debt commission in the CR. He argues that such a commission is unnecessary and will not solve the existing debt crisis. He advises against accepting superficial concessions that serve as distractions from the critical issues at hand.
As we head into the weekend of budget brinksmanship, it all boils down to one point: Will Republicans finally care about ending the federal shutdown of our life, liberty, and economy more than they fear a temporary federal shutdown? We’re joined by Rep. Andy Biggs, who has led the fight to force leadership to finally pass better appropriations bills. He updates us on the progress of the floor action, the contours of the debate, and the upcoming legislative maneuvering. I also provide the proper framing and messaging of any government shutdown and why any sane Republican should not fear it. Biggs notes that if we can’t hold the line this week, then all of the campaign talk from Republicans is a joke.