Bloomberg Talks Democratic US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Oct 23, 2025
Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and U.S. Representative from Brooklyn, is in the spotlight as he discusses the ongoing government shutdown and upcoming New York mayoral race. He praises Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for his pledge to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, suggesting it will reassure city residents. Jeffries also delves into the complexities of negotiations with Republicans and emphasizes the importance of addressing healthcare crises. He warns against the long-term impacts of proposed Republican budgets while advocating for unity and activism within the Democratic Party.
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Negotiation Paired With Health Care Demands
- Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats are willing to negotiate anytime, anyplace to reopen the government but insist on addressing a Republican-created health care crisis.
- He emphasizes the urgent need to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent harm to millions of Americans.
Trump's Role In Blocking Talks
- Jeffries blames Donald Trump for limiting Republican leaders' ability to negotiate and for prioritizing other activities over reopening the government.
- He highlights concrete harms like rising premiums and potential $1,000–$2,000 monthly increases for some consumers.
Budget Cuts Threaten Public Health
- Democrats refuse a partisan Republican spending bill that would gut health care and cut CDC and NIH funding.
- Jeffries warns of massive Medicaid and Medicare cuts and reduced public health capacity if Congress doesn't act.