Rep. Jeff Van Drew on Government Shutdown: 'There Are No Winners Here'

Blame for the Government Shutdown

• 🎯 Congressman Jeff Van Drew expresses disgust with the ongoing government shutdown, stating that neither Republicans nor Democrats have won, and the American people are the ultimate losers.
• 💡 He criticizes Democrats for not voting for a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open, suggesting Schumer was too concerned with his political survival.
• ⚠️ Republicans are faulted for not having a completed plan to replace Obamacare, even though Van Drew dislikes it, arguing that continuing it temporarily might be necessary to avoid a shutdown.

Proposed Solutions and Reforms

• 🗣️ Van Drew advocates for ending the filibuster in the Senate, arguing that Democrats would not adhere to it if they were in control and wanted to pass legislation.
• 💰 He strongly believes that no member of Congress should be paid until a government shutdown is resolved, and they should not be reimbursed for lost pay, as it is Congress's fault.
• 🇺🇸 The Congressman emphasizes the need for intellectual honesty and for Congress to focus on its job of taking care of the American people.

Perspectives on Congressional Pay

• 🚫 The idea of withholding congressional pay during shutdowns is presented as a potential constitutional issue, with former Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggesting members can voluntarily forgo their pay.
• ⚖️ McCarthy likens the shutdown to the 'Seinfeld shutdown' because it's 'about nothing,' attributing it to a weakness of political willpower to do the right thing and keep the government open.
• 🤝 Both Van Drew and McCarthy agree that a significant portion of the American public is sick of these shutdowns and wants the government to remain open and functional.