Today, Explained Shutdown for what?
96 snips
Oct 1, 2025 
Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, discusses the implications of the government shutdown and the impact of proposed Medicare cuts. She emphasizes the dangers of Republicans using federal resources for political messaging and criticizes their attempts to cut health care funding. Veteran political reporter Jonathan Lemire connects Trump's actions to midterm fears, revealing how he's strategizing to maintain power and avoid investigations. Both guests highlight the challenges facing Democrats as they navigate these turbulent political waters.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Budget Maneuver Sparks Healthcare Standoff
- Republicans used a budget mechanism to push rollbacks of health coverage and tax breaks for wealthy interests.
- Democrats refused and linked full-year funding to reversing those proposed healthcare cuts.
False Claim About Immigrant Benefits
- Republicans claim Democrats want healthcare for undocumented immigrants, but that claim is false under current law.
- Warren insisted undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid or ACA benefits.
Rural Hospitals Already Closing
- Warren cited recent closures of rural Virginia hospitals as an early effect of coverage losses.
- She said those hospitals closed because uncompensated care made their books unsustainable.