Senator Blackburn on Government Shutdown, Healthcare Funding, and Jack Smith Investigation

Government Shutdown and Healthcare Funding

• ⚠️ Senator Blackburn criticizes the "Schumer shutdown," stating there's no reason for it as Democrats have previously voted for the funding levels.
• 🎯 Democrats are accused of using the shutdown to advance toward government-controlled healthcare and make the Biden COVID credits (plus-up credits) permanent, which previously allowed high earners to receive Obamacare subsidies.
• 💰 The senator highlights that these subsidies, intended for those at 400% of poverty and below, were extended to people making half a million dollars during the pandemic, with much of the money going to insurance companies.
• 🚨 Democrats are described as "reckless" for prioritizing healthcare for illegal aliens and advancing Obamacare changes over federal law enforcement, military, and SNAP benefits.

Appropriations Process and Deadlines

• 🗓️ Republicans are discussing a plan to extend current government funding levels through December 2026.
• 🏛️ While three appropriations bills are through and others are ready, Senator Blackburn believes the deadline can be met, but it would be helpful for the House to return to work on the appropriations process and other bipartisan legislation.
• 📈 The current shutdown is seen as potentially making the appropriations process more difficult.

Investigation into Jack Smith

• 🕵️ Senator Blackburn alleges that former special counsel Jack Smith's subpoena for congressional phone records was a "spying mission" and a violation of First and Fourth Amendment rights, the speech and debate clause, the stored records act, and the separation of powers.
• ⚖️ She has sent a letter to AG Bondi requesting Jack Smith be referred to the Office of Professional Conduct at the DOJ and is seeking to have him disbarred in the states where he is licensed to practice law.
• 🚫 It is noted that Senator Cruz's records were not analyzed because AT&T did not comply with the subpoena.