Joco Today

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) spoke with Kansas media outlets via Zoom about the ongoing government shutdown, which has now entered its seventh day. Marshall attributed the shutdown to what he described as "Chuck Schumer’s political games," stating that Senate Democrats are responsible for the current impasse.

During his opening remarks, Marshall expressed disappointment over the continued shutdown. He outlined Republican priorities, saying their goals were to keep the government open and pursue responsible spending, especially given the nation’s $37 trillion debt and projected $1 trillion in annual interest payments. Marshall highlighted that federal revenue is expected to be $5 trillion this year, while expenditures will reach $7 trillion.

Marshall emphasized the legislative process in the Senate, noting that passing spending legislation requires 60 votes. He stated: “It takes 60 votes in the Senate to pass this. We have 53 Republican senators, so we’ll need at least seven, probably eight, Democrats to be able to pass this.” He also pointed out that Republicans had previously crossed party lines over a dozen times during President Joe Biden’s administration to support stopgap funding measures.

According to Marshall, progress on appropriations bills has been stalled by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Our appropriations committee, made up of Republicans and Democrats, is making great progress... They had 90% of the spending levels done through the appropriations process... but Senator Schumer has clogged that process up,” he said.

Marshall criticized demands from Democratic leadership for additional spending and extensions of COVID-era subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), describing them as unrealistic and politically motivated. He asserted: “I believe that this is a political shutdown waiting for 14 days to say you wanted to extend these extended covid subsidies isn’t realistic.”

Addressing health care costs, Marshall noted rising insurance premiums and said: “The Affordable Care Act is not affordable. Insurance premiums are going to go up 18 to 20% next year.” He added that health care now accounts for 18% of U.S. GDP and claimed insurance costs have risen significantly over recent decades.

Marshall also raised concerns about fraud related to COVID-era ACA subsidies, estimating losses between $25 billion and $50 billion annually due to fraudulent claims. He questioned why action on these issues was delayed until shortly before the shutdown deadline.

The senator clarified that traditional ACA subsidies would continue regardless of congressional action but questioned whether enhanced COVID-era subsidies should remain in place for high-income earners.

The press call concluded with Marshall inviting questions from reporters and reiterating his position on health care reform and government spending.