Big Take House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Shutdown Day 23
Oct 24, 2025
Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and Democratic congressman from New York, dives into the pressing issues of the ongoing government shutdown. He describes the repetitive nature of daily life during the crisis and outlines Democrats' demands to prioritize bipartisan negotiations and healthcare protections. Jeffries expresses concerns about potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, warns about missed paychecks for federal workers, and emphasizes the importance of affordability in politics. He also touches on the NYC mayoral race and the implications for local governance.
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Shutdown Driven By Presidential Decision
- Hakeem Jeffries says the shutdown reflects Donald Trump's decision and lack of permission for Republicans to negotiate.
- He argues Trump must engage directly for a bipartisan deal to reopen the government and address health care.
Health Care Cuts Create Real-World Pain
- Jeffries details a Republican-created health care crisis: Medicaid and Medicare cuts and expired ACA tax credits.
- He warns these actions will raise premiums and close hospitals and community health centers nationwide.
Act Before Open Enrollment
- Jeffries urges Congress to act before open enrollment to give people certainty about premiums and coverage.
- He says bipartisan deals must improve health, public safety, and economic well-being, especially affordability.