Squawk Pod The Shutdown Episode: Speaker Johnson & Minority Leader Jeffries 9/30/25
Sep 30, 2025
Join House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican representative from Louisiana, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, as they dive into the impending government shutdown. Johnson argues that Democrats are playing politics by blocking a 'clean' funding resolution, while Jeffries counters, emphasizing the need to protect healthcare and accusing Republicans of harmful fiscal choices. The tension highlights critical issues such as ACA tax credits and the consequences of a shutdown on federal services, making for an intense and insightful discussion.
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ACA Credits Are The Central Leverage Point
- Emily Wilkins explains Democrats are pushing ACA tax credits and other health provisions as leverage before funding expires in December.
- She says Senators need 60 votes, and without bipartisan buy-in a shutdown looks increasingly likely.
Senate Math And Progressive Pressure Shape Talks
- Emily notes Senate math requires 60 votes to pass a CR and that many Democrats demand ACA fixes before supporting funding.
- She highlights internal Democratic pressures from progressives and the political calculus behind resistance.
Clean CR Is Presented As Time-Buying Measure
- Speaker Mike Johnson says the House passed a 24-page clean continuing resolution to buy time for appropriations work.
- He argues Democrats oppose it for political cover, not policy, risking harm to services and workers.