Senator John Kennedy on Government Shutdown, Obamacare, and Filibuster

Government Shutdown Stalemate

• 🏛️ Senator John Kennedy expresses uncertainty about when the government shutdown will end, noting Democratic leaders will have a conference meeting.
• ⚠️ He states that Democrats will not achieve their demands, specifically regarding automatic extensions of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
• 📉 Kennedy argues that ACA premium increases, even with subsidies, demonstrate the exchanges are not working and are akin to "putting paint on rotten wood."

Healthcare Reform Proposals

• 💡 Kennedy suggests that if Democrats vote to open the government, Republicans and the President would be willing to discuss designing a new healthcare delivery system.
• 🏥 He criticizes the current focus on ACA subsidies, stating that appropriating bills do not address the core healthcare insurance problem.
• 🗣️ The Senator mentions a movement to open the government in exchange for passing three appropriations bills, but questions its effectiveness as it's unrelated to healthcare.

Impact on Federal Workers and Politics

• 😥 Kennedy expresses sympathy for federal workers and his own employees who are not being paid due to the shutdown.
• 🗳️ He highlights that he has voted 13 times to open the government, while Democrats have voted 14 times to keep it shut down.
• 📊 Regarding polls, Kennedy dismisses their significance, stating they can be manipulated and that the American people may ultimately express dissatisfaction with both parties.

Filibuster and Blue Slip Debate

• 🚫 Kennedy states he will not vote to change the filibuster or the "blue slip" rule, explaining that a senator's job includes blocking bad ideas.
• 🗣️ He recounts a conversation with the President where he explained his stance on preserving these procedural tools.
• 🤷 He believes changes to the filibuster or blue slip are unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future.