Rep. Don Bacon on Epstein Emails, Government Shutdowns, and ACA Tax Credits

Government Shutdown and Legislative Work

• 🏛️ Representative Don Bacon expresses frustration with House leadership for adjourning until after September 19th, believing it detracts from the message that Democrats are blocking government funding.
• 🤝 Despite the adjournment, Bacon highlights that he and colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, continued working remotely on proposals like the ACA tax credits.
• 😠 He is particularly irked by Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, citing the impact on 1.4 million federal workers and 42 million on SNAP due to the shutdown.

ACA Tax Credit Proposal

• 💡 Bacon supports efforts to extend ACA tax credits but insists on modifications, such as income caps and ensuring funds directly lower premiums rather than benefiting large companies.
• 🚫 He states he would not sign on to a clean extension without changes, noting that the original 2021 bill passed without any Republican votes.
• ✍️ He is working on his own bill with Sam Licardo that reflects his proposed framework for the ACA tax credits.

Epstein Emails and Transparency

• 🔍 Regarding President Trump's name appearing in released Epstein emails, Bacon acknowledges the known relationship but views the focus as a "red herring".
• ✅ He plans to vote for transparency if a measure comes to the floor, emphasizing the importance of sunlight on "bad actors" and those who mistreated victims.
• 🗣️ Bacon criticizes the communication strategy around releasing the Epstein lists, calling it poor PR and stating that transparency is paramount regardless of who is named.