Shutdown continues as Pelosi announces she won't seek re-election

Key Concepts:

• Government Shutdown
• Congressional Pay
• No Shutdown Paychecks Act
• Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act
• Filibuster
• 27th Amendment
• January 6th Investigation
• Impeachments
• Russia Collusion Hoax

Congressional Pay and Government Shutdowns

Senator Kennedy is introducing two bills aimed at addressing the government shutdown and its impact on congressional pay.

• The No Shutdown Paychecks Act: This bill proposes that as long as the government is shut down, no member of Congress will receive their salary. Furthermore, this unpaid salary will not be reimbursed or repaid at a later date.
• The Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act: This bill addresses potential concerns related to the 27th Amendment. Under this act, members of Congress would not receive their pay during a shutdown, but their salaries would be placed in escrow. They would then receive this accumulated pay once the government is reopened.

Senator Kennedy expresses skepticism about imminent agreements to end the shutdown, stating, "I hope I'm wrong in saying this, but I don't think we're really that close."

Perspectives on Congressional Pay and Shutdowns

Congressman Greg Steube reacts to Senator Kennedy's proposals, questioning their effectiveness.

• Argument: Steube believes that taking away the pay of many Democratic senators, who are millionaires, will not significantly impact them or "move the ball" in negotiations. He states, "A lot of these Democratic senators are all millionaires, so they don't care if they don't get the 174k a year salary, because they've all made their money somehow, and they're all millionaires and just don't care."
• Talking Point: He references a talking point used by Democrats: "The Republicans have the House, the Senate and the White House is sticking with the American people."

The Filibuster and Legislative Power

The discussion shifts to the filibuster and its implications for legislative action.

• Argument for Abolishing the Filibuster: Congressman Steube advocates for getting rid of the filibuster, stating, "I've been calling on for a month just get rid of the filibuster. If Democrats are going to say we have the House, the Senate and the White House, then let's use our ability to refund the government and do away with the filibuster."
• Counter-Argument: Elizabeth raises a concern about abolishing the filibuster, arguing that if Democrats regain control, they could "ram through policies on a simple 51 majority vote that can hurt America."
• Historical Context: Steube recalls that in 2021, "Manchin and Sinema voted against it" (implying a move to abolish or alter the filibuster). He questions, "But how long are we going to let Chuck Schumer hold hostage the American people?"

Nancy Pelosi's Retirement and Political Reactions

The conversation turns to the announcement of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's retirement after 40 years in Congress.

• Media Reporting: Elizabeth notes that news outlets like NBC, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Politico are reporting that Democrats are seen as blocking the reopening of the government.
• President Trump's Reaction: A reporter asks President Trump for his thoughts on Nancy Pelosi's retirement. Trump states, "I think she's an evil woman, I'm glad she's retiring. I think she did the service a the -- country a great service by retiring. I think she was a tremendous liability." He also calls her "terrible" and believes she "cost the country a lot in damages and in reputation."
• Congressman Steube's Reaction: Steube agrees that Pelosi "certainly won't be missed in the House." He connects her retirement to her role in the "January 6th investigation and two sham impeachments on President Trump." He asserts that these actions were "all based on lies," and that the "Russia collusion hoax was just that, a hoax, and they used that as the basis to impeach him."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The transcript highlights ongoing political debates surrounding a government shutdown, with proposed legislative measures to penalize members of Congress by withholding their pay. There are differing views on the effectiveness of such measures, particularly concerning wealthy senators. The discussion also touches upon the contentious issue of the filibuster and its impact on legislative power, with arguments for and against its abolition. Finally, the retirement of Nancy Pelosi elicits strong negative reactions from President Trump and Congressman Steube, who link her legacy to what they perceive as politically motivated investigations and impeachments against President Trump, based on what they describe as falsehoods like the "Russia collusion hoax."