Sen. Mark Kelly Discusses Government Shutdown Concerns

On CNBC’s “Squawk Box” Thursday, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) reiterated a familiar Democratic stance regarding potential government shutdowns. He emphasized that “the government doesn’t have to shut down” and can be reopened through dialogue, expressing concern that around 2 million individuals might lose their health insurance.

Co-host Joe Kernen remarked that historically, Democrats have opposed the idea of a government shutdown, insisting that it’s not the appropriate approach. He acknowledged the importance of medical care, while highlighting the implications of both parties employing shutdown tactics to advance their agendas. Kernen noted that it’s troubling how frequently the possibility of shutdown resurfaces, with Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) seemingly the sole voice admitting the necessity of such extreme measures. He also suggested that relationships within the Democratic Party appear strained.

Kelly responded, “Joe, this is very simple. We don’t need to shut down the government. We can resolve this issue quickly by coming together.”

Kernen interjected, mentioning that shutdowns often occur when significant funding demands aren’t met, particularly referencing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) interests. He implied there’s a narrative being constructed that could mislead the public regarding the Republican Party’s stance.

Kelly reiterated the stakes, stating, “We’re trying to prevent 2 million people from losing their health insurance. The impact can be dire; for some, this leads to death or financial ruin. Estimates suggest that if left unresolved, tens of thousands could face dire consequences annually. The president has expressed a desire to remedy this situation, particularly regarding subsidies linked to the Affordable Care Act. We simply want the government to open and address these issues. I’m not entirely sure what the hold-up is.”