Sen. Moran on shutdown: Our standing in the world is harmed by the chaos we demonstrate at home

Key Concepts

• Government Shutdown
• Federal Funding Bill
• Veterans Affairs Committee
• Reconciliation (Senate Rule)
• Filibuster
• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Economic Uncertainty
• Bipartisanship/Divisiveness in Politics

Government Funding and Shutdown Resolution

The Senate has passed a bill to fund the federal government through January, aiming to end the 42-day shutdown. This measure now requires House approval and President Trump's signature. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, expressed his belief that shutdowns are a mistake, causing unnecessary pain to the American people and harming the nation's standing in the world by demonstrating an inability to govern and work together. He emphasized that passing a budget and appropriating funds are basic functions that cities, counties, and school boards accomplish annually, and Congress should be able to do the same.

Veterans Day and Senator Moran's Role

Senator Moran highlighted his presence on set to honor American veterans on Veterans Day. He noted that the NASDAQ is participating in this celebration to ensure veterans feel appreciated and thanked. Beyond expressions of gratitude, Senator Moran stated his commitment to ensuring that promises made to those who have served are fulfilled through the work of his committee and Congress.

House Procedures and Shutdown Consequences

Regarding the House of Representatives, Senator Moran indicated that members are expected to return on Wednesday. He explained that House rules require a 48-hour period for members to review a bill before a vote, a reform often demanded by conservative groups. However, he pointed out that the text of the funding bill has been available for days, suggesting that the procedural delay might be minimal. He personally experienced the difficulties caused by the shutdown, citing his own travel challenges in getting to the interview and attempting to return to Kansas. He reiterated that shutdowns have no positive outcomes and are not worth the suffering inflicted on the public.

International Standing and Governance

Senator Moran argued that the chaos and demonstrated inability to govern and cooperate during the shutdown project an image of vulnerability to adversaries and unreliability to allies. He stressed that the United States should be capable of performing fundamental governmental tasks like passing budgets, similar to local governing bodies.

Reconciliation and Legislative Strategy

The discussion touched upon a suggestion from Senator Kennedy regarding the use of reconciliation, a Senate rule allowing legislation to pass with a simple majority (51 votes) to overcome the filibuster. Senator Kennedy proposed using reconciliation for additional spending cuts or to address aspects of Obamacare, such as reigning in price inflation on health plans. Senator Moran acknowledged reconciliation as a "narrow opportunity" but described it as a "painful and difficult process" that typically allows for a "narrow set of things." He noted that there is talk of using this mechanism again for Republican priorities.

The Filibuster and its Importance

Senator Moran expressed his support for the filibuster, despite it sometimes placing him in the minority. He believes it is crucial for both the institution of the Senate and the country. He explained that as a representative of a rural state with distinct issues, the filibuster enhances his ability to influence national direction on behalf of Kansans. He also voiced concern about the potential consequences of either party eliminating the filibuster, stating he "can't imagine" what would happen.

Political Landscape and Future Prospects

The conversation briefly explored the prospects of Democrats retaking the Senate, with the assessment that the House is more vulnerable to such a shift. Senator Moran advised Republicans in the Senate to pay close attention to the American people due to a perceived widespread dissatisfaction.

Healthcare Subsidies and Policy

When asked about extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, Senator Moran stated he would work to change them to be more beneficial to individual consumers rather than primarily serving insurance companies. He expressed support for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a way to give individuals more control over their healthcare decisions. He emphasized that healthcare cannot be ignored politically or practically.

Economic Concerns and Voter Sentiment

Senator Moran identified economic issues as a significant driver of public worry about the future. He specifically mentioned the concerns of farmers in Kansas regarding trade with China, tariffs on steel and aluminum, and the impact on supply chains and employment. He also referenced the recent helicopter crash originating from Wichita, Kansas, and the inability to advance plans to improve air travel safety due to the shutdown. He concluded that if elected officials do not address economic uncertainties, voters will express their concerns forcefully.

Political Divisiveness and Bipartisanship

Senator Moran acknowledged that working across the aisle has become tougher due to increased divisiveness in the Senate. He described the current political climate as "one team versus the other," with many elected officials prioritizing fighting over problem-solving. He noted a significant increase in contention compared to cooperation. He suggested that the American people could demand a change in this dynamic. He also commented on the unusual nature of the shutdown being left to eight senators to resolve, rather than being led by the Senate leadership, which he found to be a departure from past practices under both Republican and Democratic leadership.