GOP Lawmaker Kevin Hern on Preventing Government Shutdowns and Economic Policy

Preventing a Government Shutdown

• 📌 The funding deadline is January 30th, and Republicans in the House and Senate, along with President Trump, are committed to preventing a government shutdown.
• ⚠️ Congressman Hern states that Democrats appear to be pushing for a shutdown in January, which he views as bad policy and bad politics.
• 🤝 Republicans are working to pass appropriation bills, but Democrat cooperation is needed to meet the deadline.

Economic Policy and Inflation

• 💸 Republicans aim to maintain low and consistent tax policy, similar to that established in 2017, to help offset costs for Americans.
• 📈 Hern criticizes current Democrat policies, attributing a significant increase in the cost of living to the Biden administration, comparing it to the economic challenges of the past.
• 📊 Despite economic growth, Republicans acknowledge that more work is needed on affordability.

COVID-Era Spending and Healthcare Costs

• 🏥 A key point of contention is the continuation of COVID-era spending, particularly on Obamacare subsidies, which Republicans argue are no longer necessary.
• 💰 Democrats want to continue these subsidies, potentially increasing monthly contributions for millions of Americans.
• 📉 Republicans contend that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has not lowered premiums or increased access as promised and are focused on addressing rising medical costs.

Republican Strategy and Reconciliation

• 🎯 Republicans are developing policies to lower costs for Americans, which were previously stripped out in the Senate.
• ⚖️ The possibility of using a reconciliation bill is being considered if Democrats do not cooperate in the Senate.
• 🗳️ The House can only afford to lose one vote, making the path for a reconciliation bill challenging but not impossible, with efforts underway to secure the necessary majority.