Jeff Merkley on Government Shutdown: 'People Understand It's Over Healthcare'

Public Sentiment on the Shutdown

• 💡 The public, particularly in Oregon, understands that the government shutdown is primarily about healthcare.
• ⚠️ Many are shocked by rising insurance costs and decreasing tax credits, reinforcing the message that healthcare access is under attack.
• ✅ Feedback indicates strong support for standing up against attacks on families and healthcare.

Republican Tactics and Demands

• 🎯 Republicans acknowledge the negative impact of the shutdown on their constituents, especially those relying on tax credits, but are prevented from negotiating by their leadership and the President.
• 🏠 Merkley criticizes House members for being on vacation for 26 days, getting paid while American workers are not, calling the situation outrageous.
• 🤝 The Senate leadership is also criticized for not being willing to sit down and negotiate.

The Nature of Continuing Resolutions (CRs)

• 🚫 Merkley states there is no such thing as a 'clean CR' (Continuing Resolution).
• 🚩 The current CR was written in a partisan fashion in March to favor Republican programs.
• 📉 Republicans are accused of wanting to extend this partisan CR and shut down the government to damage healthcare for families.

Differing Philosophies

• ⚖️ The core difference is philosophical: Republicans' approach leads to 'families lose, billionaires win'.
• 🌱 Merkley's philosophy is that families should thrive and billionaires should pay their fair share.

Defense Appropriations

• military Merkley votes against all defense appropriations due to significant waste within the Department of Defense.
• 💰 He suggests that if the goal was efficiency, the defense department would be the place to start.