The Republican Congressman Who Says His Party Is Mishandling the Shutdown

Overview

This episode features Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California, who critiques his party's handling of the government shutdown and broader issues like redistricting and healthcare. Kiley discusses his frustrations with House leadership, his efforts to address partisanship, and the potential consequences of mid-decade redistricting on his political future.

Notable Quotes

- Voters should choose their representatives; representatives shouldn’t choose their voters. – Kevin Kiley, on the dangers of partisan redistricting.

- The House is supposed to be here. We have things to do. I don’t understand why this is a particularly radical position to take. – Kevin Kiley, on the House recess during the government shutdown.

- Excessive partisanship is one of the most serious problems facing the country. – Kevin Kiley, reflecting on the broader implications of redistricting and the shutdown.

🚇 Navigating the Shutdown

- Kiley has been attending work daily during the government shutdown as a form of protest against Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to recess the House indefinitely.

- He criticizes the lack of legislative activity during the shutdown, highlighting urgent issues like the expiration of SNAP benefits and healthcare subsidies.

- Kiley co-sponsored a bill to ensure SNAP benefits continue during the shutdown but laments the inability to vote on it due to the recess.

📍 Redistricting and Democracy

- Kiley opposes mid-decade redistricting, calling it political opportunism that undermines democracy by allowing politicians to manipulate district lines for partisan gain.

- He introduced a bill to ban mid-decade redistricting, but House leadership has refused to bring it to a vote.

- Kiley’s own district is at risk of being redrawn as part of a political tit-for-tat between Republican-led Texas and Democratic-led California.

🏛️ Frustration with House Leadership

- Kiley expresses dismay at Speaker Johnson’s decision to send the House into recess during the shutdown, calling it embarrassing and beneath the institution.

- He argues that the House should remain in session to address critical issues and negotiate solutions, contrasting its inaction with the Senate’s ongoing work.

- Despite his criticisms, Kiley stops short of calling for Johnson’s removal, citing the chaos that would ensue from vacating the Speaker’s chair.

⚖️ Healthcare and Partisan Gridlock

- Kiley acknowledges the urgency of resolving the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy issue, which is central to the shutdown negotiations.

- He criticizes both parties for their unwillingness to compromise, noting that Republicans previously used similar tactics during debt ceiling negotiations.

- While he supports work requirements for Medicaid, he recognizes the potential for millions to lose coverage and calls for bipartisan solutions.

🤝 Fighting Partisanship

- Kiley positions himself as an independent voice within his party, emphasizing the need to bridge partisan divides.

- He highlights the broader consequences of excessive partisanship, including Congress’s inability to perform basic functions like funding the government.

- Despite his efforts, Kiley acknowledges the challenges of effecting change in a deeply polarized political environment.