On this “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:
- Kevin Hassett, White Home Nationwide Financial Council director
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat
- Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat
- New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican
Click on right here to browse full transcripts from 2025 of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
MARGARET BRENNAN: I am Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: the longest authorities shutdown in historical past, and no finish in sight. With every passing day, the impression of the federal government shutdown grows, with thousands and thousands of Individuals now going through main disruptions, from mass flight cancellations and delays due to staffing shortages to rising traces at meals banks, because the Supreme Court docket lets the Trump administration withhold some cash to fund meals stamp advantages.
Frustration is mounting, and the blame recreation is on.
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GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO (D-Pennsylvania): Once I see hungry individuals in my state who’re hungry due to J.D. Vance’s bull (EXPLETIVE DELETED) politics, that makes me indignant.
SENATOR JOHN THUNE (R-South Dakota): Is not that what you all have been saying? It is about leverage? This is not leverage. That is the lives of the American individuals.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: We’ll discuss with Maryland’s Democratic Governor Wes Moore and West Virginia’s Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey about how they might fill the funding hole as security internet packages dangle in limbo.
The president’s high financial adviser, Kevin Hassett, can even be part of us. We’ll ask him what sort of impression this shutdown is having on our financial system.
Plus:
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DONALD TRUMP (President of america): The entire collection of pricing and prices, the groceries and the whole lot else, it was a con job. It was a con job. Affordability, they name it. It was a con job by the Democrats.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: The place the president sees a con job, Democrats see a profitable message in final week’s elections. We’ll hear from two incoming governors, Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey.
It is all simply forward on Face the Nation.
Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.
The Senate is in session at present, a uncommon weekend workday for lawmakers, however there may be nonetheless no deal to reopen the federal government.
We start this morning with the director of the White Home Nationwide Financial Council, Kevin Hassett.
That is now the longest shutdown in American historical past. The treasury secretary instructed us two weeks in the past November 15 was the exhausting cease for any paychecks going to U.S. troops. Does that stay the purpose of exhaustion?
KEVIN HASSETT (Director, Nationwide Financial Council): Proper. I feel that that is about the correct quantity.
And the issue is that, below the legislation, we’re not allowed to spend cash that hasn’t been appropriated. And there’s a legislation, the Antideficiency Act, that claims that, if a authorities official spends cash that is not appropriated by Congress, which is able to solely occur if the Democrats vote to open up the federal government, then you possibly can even have legal penalties.
And so persons are very fastidiously finding out the legislation and making an attempt to get as a lot cash out the door as is authorized. And we’re very glad that we discovered a option to get plenty of the SNAP cash out, nevertheless it’s actually, actually pushing the boundaries of the legislation, which is why the Supreme Court docket needed to take that ruling from Rhode Island and put it on maintain.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Till the decrease courtroom guidelines.
KEVIN HASSETT: Till the decrease courtroom goes again and comes up with a authorized justification for what they mentioned, as a result of there most likely is not one, sadly, which is why we’ve to get this authorities open.
I imply, the actual fact is, Goldman Sachs, they’ve a high financial crew, and so they’re estimating that we have already knocked about 1.5 p.c off of GDP. I feel that quantity might be low if we preserve going even a pair extra weeks, as a result of there’s going to be a large quantity of air disruption, particularly across the holidays.
And one among these items – once in a while, once we’re speaking economics, you and I, we speak about seasonal changes and issues like that. However the reality is that Thanksgiving – that Thanksgiving time is among the hottest occasions of the 12 months for the financial system. It is Black Friday, you already know, and all that type of stuff.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
KEVIN HASSETT: And if individuals aren’t touring at that second, then we actually could possibly be a destructive quarter for the fourth quarter.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Which is considerably disruptive to the president’s agenda.
However to the purpose you had been simply making about meals stamps – and we noticed this Friday, a short lived keep by the Supreme Court docket that might block full meals stamp advantages pending the decrease courtroom determination. The administration’s argument, as you simply referenced there, was that it will be unlawful to maneuver round funding and to faucet the Part 32 account on the USDA.
However why not do that as a short-term patchwork answer? As a result of you have got discovered methods with the army pay to stretch issues out. Why prioritize in that case and never accomplish that with meals?
KEVIN HASSETT: Properly, the president’s job and all of our jobs is to uphold the legislation.
And when – I am not a lawyer, however when the legal professionals inform us…
MARGARET BRENNAN: However, arguably…
KEVIN HASSETT: … what we will do…
MARGARET BRENNAN: … that wasn’t performed with the army.
KEVIN HASSETT: However – however – however, sure, I feel that the army is completely different due to the commander in chief stuff.
However the authorized evaluation means that we’re doing the whole lot by the e-book after which stretching issues as a lot as we will, and mainly making an attempt to maintain individuals from committing crimes, which, you already know, you already know about – within the season of lawfare, in case you are a Cupboard secretary and also you spend cash that is not appropriated for that goal in your Cupboard, then they will come again and so they can take you to courtroom.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you are additionally making a political guess that Democrats aren’t going to problem paying the army. Do you actually suppose Democrats would problem and take to courtroom paying individuals for his or her meals stamp advantages…
KEVIN HASSETT: Let’s simply say that we have seen Democrats take…
MARGARET BRENNAN: … if – if Congress goes to fund it, when the shutdown ends?
KEVIN HASSETT: We have seen Democrats take to courtroom people who – on actually, actually poor, poor prices, and so I feel they’re prone to do something.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, it appears a political calculation is the purpose.
KEVIN HASSETT: Properly, we – we do not have a political calculation. Our calculation is to get the federal government open, to get the meals stamps to individuals, and to get individuals to be paid; 750,000 authorities staff don’t get paid proper now.
I do know you are speaking to the governor of Maryland in a minute. I am positive his persons are actually hurting. Let’s simply get the federal government open, after which let’s speak about issues just like the well being care premiums, however try this by means of common order.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly – so, it seems like you might be saying the place is similar, open the federal government, then we’ll speak about well being care.
However the president, simply prior to now 36 hours, has put out plenty of social media posts. It sounds type of like he is proposing one thing in regard to medical insurance funds. He mentioned: “I am recommending to Senate Republicans that a whole bunch of billions of {dollars} presently being despatched to money-sucking insurance coverage firms to save lots of dangerous well being care supplied by Obamacare now be despatched to the individuals to allow them to buy their very own, significantly better well being care.”
He additionally mentioned they need to terminate Obamacare. What does this different system appear to be? As a result of all the standoff is about well being care proper now.
KEVIN HASSETT: Proper. Properly, the president is, you already know, an attractive tactician, an attractive negotiator.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is a proposal?
KEVIN HASSETT: And what he – that is – you already know, what he mentioned, he is brainstorming and making an attempt to assist the Senate give you a deal that may get the federal government open.
And one of many issues you possibly can do is, conservatives consider that they do not need the federal government to micromanage individuals’s lives. And, you already know, everyone believes that folks ought to have well being care, and so why not take the individuals who have increased well being care premiums and simply mail them a examine and allow them to determine?
The explanation why it might have an impact is that there are a number of tiers below the Reasonably priced Care Act of several types of insurance coverage. And it could possibly be that folks would somewhat have the cash and go from, like, you already know, this type of plan to that type of plan and save themselves a little bit bit.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is that this the…
KEVIN HASSETT: And in order that’s – that is, you already know, mainly giving the individuals a chance to make extra decisions than the federal government normally lets them.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is that this the Senator Cassidy proposal?
KEVIN HASSETT: I am positive that Senator Cassidy and President Trump talked about it, however whether or not he agrees with the whole lot that Cassidy – I have never talked to him about it but.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, does the Republican chief within the Senate settle for…
KEVIN HASSETT: The president…
MARGARET BRENNAN: … this proposal?
KEVIN HASSETT: The president has – began this concept yesterday. I do not suppose that it has been mentioned broadly within the Senate but.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So the president…
KEVIN HASSETT: It is the weekend.
(LAUGHTER)
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Senate’s in session this weekend.
KEVIN HASSETT: Sure, the Senate is in session this weekend. And we’re…
MARGARET BRENNAN: As a result of they’re making an attempt to finish the shutdown.
KEVIN HASSETT: And right here I’m.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However this isn’t the Republican Social gathering’s place?
KEVIN HASSETT: Present – as of proper now, it is not the Senate place, however the president thought it was one thing they need to take into consideration.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, he appears to be negotiating earlier than the federal government’s open.
KEVIN HASSETT: He is speaking to his colleagues within the Senate on the Republican aspect.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you’d agree that there does have to be a deal on well being care, that well being care prices are too excessive?
KEVIN HASSETT: Properly, I feel that, for those who have a look at the Reasonably priced Care Act, these premiums weren’t made everlasting by the Democrats in the course of the COVID emergency as a result of they had been frightened in regards to the budgetary prices.
And so for those who have a look at the premium will increase, they do not have an effect on most individuals under two occasions the poverty line, 3 times the poverty line. However there are plenty of senior residents which can be above, like, round 4 occasions the poverty degree, which with a husband and spouse crew, can be about $120,000, which can be seeing actually huge premium will increase.
And I feel that everyone’s going to need to take into consideration what the following step for that might be, as a result of are seeing – once more, most individuals aren’t seeing a lot of a rise in any respect, however the most will increase you are seeing could possibly be as much as about $500 a month for seniors who’ve actually pricey plans.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The president has additionally been speaking about affordability.
And our CBS polling reveals the president’s approval score on the financial system has dipped to 38 p.c, the bottom of this time period; 75 p.c of these polled say he is not focusing sufficient on decreasing costs.
However the president mentioned this week Democrats are making it up and – quote – “Each worth is down.”
I am positive you already know the Shopper Value Index confirmed grocery costs are up practically 3 p.c in September from a 12 months in the past.
KEVIN HASSETT: Properly, however let’s undergo – let’s undergo the info.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you dispute that?
KEVIN HASSETT: Properly, let – truly, sure, let’s undergo the info, proper?
So, inflation went up about 5 p.c below President Biden. In President Trump’s first eight or 9 months, relying the place we get the final quantity, it is up 2.7 p.c. One of many huge issues that is hurting affordability is mortgages. The rate of interest went up by about 4 p.c.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is grocery costs.
KEVIN HASSETT: No, grocery costs are literally down considerably below Trump. However here is the factor…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, it relies on which merchandise.
KEVIN HASSETT: No, let me – I’ll simply make a degree, that for those who have a look at the true discount in spending energy for Individuals below Joe Biden, then it went down about $3,000, as a result of we had as much as 9 p.c inflation, after which they went to the grocery retailer, they could not purchase the issues they’re used to purchasing.
The true spending energy adjusted for inflation below President Trump has gone up about $1,200 thus far this 12 months; $1,200 just isn’t $3,000. And so persons are proper to really feel stretched, however we’re making progress. And for those who have a look at all of the issues, the optimistic issues, in regards to the financial system, industrial manufacturing nearly at an all-time excessive, capital spending about at an all-time excessive…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
KEVIN HASSETT: … GDP development proper now about 4 p.c, then that reveals that the revenue development that we have to get extra affordability is on the trail to taking place.
And the underside line is that the final Shopper Value Index stunned down. It was decrease than anticipated. And it was truly – would have been even decrease, as a result of there was a refinery shutdown that prompted it to go barely increased. So we see inflation below management and the financial system booming.
However we perceive one hundred pc why persons are nonetheless hurting, as a result of we have not made up all of the room that was misplaced below Joe Biden.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So are you snug with 3 p.c inflation?
KEVIN HASSETT: I am snug with 2 p.c inflation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, no, you are not blissful the place issues at the moment are?
KEVIN HASSETT: I feel – effectively, they have to go down a little bit bit extra, however there – however the level is that inflation is just like the Queen Mary, my pal Alan Greenspan used to say.
So whenever you go from nearly 4 p.c that we had in January…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
KEVIN HASSETT: … all the way down to the mid 2’s, then that is a trajectory that normally has momentum.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, the St. Louis Fed discovered tariffs account for half-a- share level of the annual inflation fee. How a lot do you suppose the tariffs are mountaineering costs?
KEVIN HASSETT: You already know, there’s a few papers on the market that say that costs went up by between two-tenths and five-tenths.
And the factor to recollect, if these papers are true, is that that is a degree alter, as a result of the tariff goes in, after which the tariff is simply there, so it does not have an effect on inflation sooner or later. So, it will be a one-time degree alter.
Our estimates at CEA are a lot nearer to zero, and it is all based mostly on modeling and assumptions about elasticities and issues. However for probably the most half, the a method you possibly can see it’s, you possibly can have a look at the worth of imported items, and the worth of imported items, CEA put a report out, has truly been declining below tariffs, as a result of what occurs is that the Chinese language need to promote us a lot of stuff.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
KEVIN HASSETT: And there is a tariff, and they also reduce their costs in order that they will nonetheless have a bigger market share within the U.S.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Kevin Hassett, at all times good to have you ever right here in individual.
KEVIN HASSETT: Nice to be right here, after all. Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Now we have to depart it there for now.
We’ll be proper again in a minute. Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We’re joined now by the Democratic governor of Maryland, Wes Moore.
Good to have you ever right here in individual.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE (D-Maryland): Nice to be with you. Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, Governor, one in eight Individuals use meals stamps. In Maryland, you have got about 700,000 individuals, as I perceive it, who depend on this for meals help.
Because the Supreme Court docket put that keep in place on Friday, are you aware whether or not that cash will truly be obtainable to residents in your state to purchase meals?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: We do not know, and that is why we’re not ready.
It’s why, simply prior to now few days, I’ve licensed over $10 million that is going in direction of heating help for individuals within the state of Maryland. Over $10 million has gone to our Maryland meals banks, that we’ve made public transportation free for all of our federal staff, as a result of they, in lots of circumstances, are going to work and never being paid.
And I’ve additionally licensed $62 million to go in direction of SNAP to be sure that SNAP just isn’t going to be interrupted for the individuals of Maryland for so long as we will, even if we’re ready for the president of america to lastly do his job.
We’re watching the president who’s actually breaking the legislation so individuals can starve, however we’re not going to take a seat there and tolerate in our state.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, you simply heard Director Hassett say that they’re making an attempt to observe the legislation, which is why they went to the courts.
The USDA did say they had been going to work in direction of implementing full funds, after which there was this Supreme Court docket keep put in place. So, do you have got readability on when cash may be coming by means of in any respect? Like, what is the federal authorities telling you?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: There isn’t a readability – readability in any respect.
Prior to now – prior to now six days, we have acquired 4 completely different measures of steering from the USDA and from the Trump administration about the right way to deal with it, the place, initially, it was mentioned, effectively, pay attention, we would like the states to assist to assist, and even if this program was constructed as a partnership between the federal authorities and the states, the place the federal authorities had been actually serving to to underwrite these prices for individuals.
After which as soon as we determined to step up and say, we’re going to be sure that our persons are going to be OK, we’ve now…
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’re fronting the cash?
(CROSSTALK)
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: That we’re going to entrance the cash.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: We have now acquired steering saying the states are going to be punished for fronting the cash.
There’s a chaos, and it’s an intentional chaos, that we’re seeing from this administration, and the place they’ve cash for the whole lot. They obtained cash to combat wars. They obtained cash for ballrooms. They obtained cash for the whole lot.
However in relation to supporting the American individuals, that is now when they’re crying, effectively, we’re broke, and that is not what the legislation requires us to do.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As you already know, the White Home says these – these sponsorships for the ballroom are separate from authorities cash.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However on – on the difficulty, although, of the shutdown itself, on Friday, we did see the Democratic chief, Schumer, provide to finish it if Republicans conform to a one-year extension of the Obamacare well being care subsidies.
Republicans mentioned that is a – that is a nonstarter. That is going to make – this can be a huge concern for the midterms. However would you – would you inform the Democrats on Capitol Hill to dig in, that the ache that the people who find themselves residing in your state is someway going to be value it in the long run for an extension of a tax credit score?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: There isn’t a ache that’s value it. Our persons are hurting, and so they’re hurting due to these video games that we proceed to see from Washington, D.C.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However would you inform Democrats, simply take the vote, open the federal government, then preserve negotiating well being care?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I would like the federal government reopened now. There isn’t a state that’s coping with extra of an impression from this than the state of Maryland.
Now we have over 260,000 federal staff inside our state, that, even earlier than the shutdown, Donald Trump had fired over 15,000 Maryland staff, federal staff, greater than every other state on this nation.
However I additionally know that saying {that a} prerequisite for having the federal authorities open should not be kicking up premiums by 90 p.c, by kicking individuals off of well being care. There is a bar – there is a – there is a – there is a barbaric nature to this ask and this request, significantly once we’re watching how the Trump – you already know, the Trump administration, they’ve the White Home, the Home and the Senate.
They’ll get this deal performed by simply merely making a telephone name, however they’re permitting this ache to exist.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However Democrats even have a promise from the Republican chief within the Senate that he’ll speak about well being care in the event that they reopen the federal government.
Why is not that ok?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Why – why…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Would you inform your members of the Democratic Social gathering to – – to alleviate the ache within the fast time period out of your state?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I’d inform them that we have to be sure that reopening the federal government doesn’t imply kicking my individuals off of well being care, that once we’re spending time proper now over in Western Maryland and Appalachia – and I am proud to function the because the – as a co-chair of the Appalachian Regional – Regional Fee, the place we’re serving Appalachia, all all through not simply Maryland, however all through West Virginia, all through Tennessee and Pennsylvania.
And once we’re talking to our of us on the market who’re already watching their premiums leap, who’re already watching the whole lot change into dearer due to these insurance policies, I do not suppose that anyone, whether or not in Western Maryland or any a part of my state, would say, sure, it is OK, for those who simply watch my well being care go away.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, well being care costs are going up even within the personal market for lots of various causes.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Completely.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However let me ask you about what’s taking place in Maryland.
This previous Tuesday, out in California, we noticed this Proposition 50; 64 p.c of California voters got here out in assist of what Gavin Newsom put on the market with redistricting. This is able to permit him to cost forward with plans to doubtlessly acquire an extra 5 Democratic congressional seats.
That is gerrymandering. You’re looking at midterm redistricting in your state as effectively. Of eight districts, you solely have one Republican. Do you actually suppose Maryland is drawn in an unfair approach proper now?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I feel that the explanation that I ordered the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Fee is as a result of I need to be sure that we will have a bipartisan group having the ability to have a look at the maps within the state of Maryland. That is one thing that occurs each single…
MARGARET BRENNAN: You do not suppose these maps are honest now?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: That is one thing that occurs each single decade. And if different states are going to have this course of and undergo this – undergo this journey of figuring out whether or not or not they’ve honest maps in a mid-decade cycle, then so ought to Maryland.
I am simply unsure why we needs to be taking part in by a unique algorithm than Texas or than Florida or than Ohio or all these different locations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Since you say these states are being unfair. So why undertake unfair insurance policies in your state?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: That is simply merely about ensuring that we will have honest and consultant maps and we will undergo our course of.
It is the explanation that I’ve – I put collectively this fee, the place my job just isn’t to attract the maps, that what we have simply merely mentioned is, I would like this bipartisan fee to have the ability to truly communicate with the individuals and to have the ability to undergo their course of and simply merely say that, if different states are going to undergo this course of, that we’re not simply going to take a seat on our arms as a result of Donald Trump tells us to, that that is not the best way this course of goes to work.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your State Senate president, Democrat Invoice Ferguson, says this might backfire.
He wrote: “I consider mid-cycle redistricting twist guidelines for potential short-term benefit whereas undermining belief in establishments and in the end democracy. It is too dangerous and jeopardizes your state’s capability to combat in opposition to the novel Trump administration.”
How do you be sure it does not backfire? Do you settle for a map that offers you extra Republican districts? You are not going to do this.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I feel combating for democracy isn’t dangerous. I feel that is our job as leaders and elected officers. And…
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you are not committing to going with the result of what this fee supplies to you?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: No, I feel the fee – what I would like is for the fee to do their work and the fee to do their job. My job just isn’t to attract the maps.
And, frankly, it is the state legislature’s job to determine to vote on it. That isn’t my accountability. My job is to be sure that I am defending the democratic course of. And the Senate president and I, we agree on the disaster that Donald Trump has put us in.
He agrees on the truth that we’ve watched an administration that is utilizing the Structure prefer it’s a suggestion field. However what I am merely – and the place we – the place we differ is the urgency that this second requires, the combat that this second requires.
And I personally am somebody who just isn’t going to permit Donald Trump to find out whether or not or not Maryland follows this concept of claiming, are we going to do the whole lot we will to verify we’re preserving our democracy?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Governor Moore, thanks in your time this morning.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Thanks a lot.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’ll be proper again with much more Face the Nation, so stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We flip now to the Democratic governor-elect of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger. She joins us this morning from Glen Allen, simply outdoors of Richmond.
Welcome to Face the Nation.
ABIGAIL SPANBERGER (D-Virginia) (Governor-Elect): Thanks a lot for having me.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, Virginia boasts one of many highest numbers of federal staff within the nation, and, as you already know, a lot of them should not getting paid.
You already know, some in your celebration have a look at your election on Tuesday and the win in New Jersey and say that’s permission to carry the road in Congress and refuse to fund the federal government or fold on the shutdown. Ought to congressional Democrats view your victory that approach?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: Completely not.
Our victory was a victory that was based mostly on a marketing campaign that was addressing considerations associated to prices and chaos. My marketing campaign throughout the previous two years had been centered on listening to the challenges that persons are going through all throughout Virginia.
It is rising prices in well being care, housing, power, and it is the chaos popping out of Washington that has been impacting Virginians so severely, starting with the DOGE efforts, after all, persevering with with chaotic commerce insurance policies, and now on this authorities shutdown.
Virginians must and Virginians need to see the federal government reopen. And my expectation is that we’ll see a Congress, a Senate, and in the end a president, driving us in that route.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However ought to congressional Democrats open the federal government after which speak about well being care?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: The federal government must open, and it must open instantly.
We want the president to exhibit management, bringing individuals collectively, endeavoring to get by means of no matter negotiations must get by means of, whether or not it is earlier than or after. My precedence is the – is specializing in the wants and the – the devastation, frankly…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: … that greater than 300,000 Virginians are going through.
And that is simply the federal staff, authorities contractors. They may by no means get made entire. The whole lot of Virginia’s financial system is impacted by the shutdown, simply as we have been impacted by DOGE assaults, and the federal government must reopen shortly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, and that is why I am asking, as a result of there are, what, 825,000 enrollees on meals help within the SNAP program. They’re in limbo proper now.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: That is proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve got fast ache. So, at what level do you weigh that in opposition to the potential of well being care premiums? I imply, this ache could be very actual and really acute for individuals in your state proper now.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: And it has been happening now for weeks, weeks too lengthy. The federal government must reopen as a result of, along with the ache that we’re already seeing federal staff and authorities contractors going through….
MARGARET BRENNAN: However eight Democrats might cross the aisle and accomplish that.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: We completely want everybody to vote to open the federal government.
And that is to not say that the challenges we’re going through inside our well being care system should not additionally fast and acute. Even the passage of the One Massive Lovely Invoice could have catastrophic impacts on Virginia, taking $26 billion out of our well being care, resulting in the closure of no less than six rural hospitals.
We have already seen three rural clinics announce their closure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: Lots of of 1000’s will lose their Medicaid.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let me…
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: And so the impacts on well being care are already catastrophic.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to…
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: However we can’t compound that ache by holding the federal government closed.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s take a break and end this on the opposite aspect of it.
Please stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we shall be proper again with much more Face the Nation.
Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome again to “FACE THE NATION.”
We return to our dialog with Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.
Governor-elect, synthetic intelligence has created a extremely huge demand for these knowledge facilities. And Virginia has the world’s largest focus of them. Energy payments are up practically seven p.c in your state over the previous 12 months. Is that pushed by the A.I. increase? And, if that’s the case, how do you offset these rising power prices?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER (D-VA): Properly, what we have seen within the – within the analysis thus far is that it’s not – the rise prices should not pushed by the rise in knowledge facilities. There’s, you already know, some dangerous power insurance policies in a few of our neighboring states which have pushed up costs, significantly in southwest Virginia.
However wanting in direction of the longer term, we’ve to be clear-eyed about the truth that we could have an power disaster headed into the longer term. And so right here, on the bottom in Virginia, we presently have a fee (ph) case the place will probably be essential that large-scale power customers, significantly knowledge facilities, that the general public know that they’re paying their justifiable share for the power that they’re utilizing. And we’ve to extend our power manufacturing right here at house in order that we will meet the demand actually of larger-scale power customers but in addition of elevated demand from our communities.
And it’s a actual problem that we’ve to get forward of. And that is why among the many first affordability plans that I laid out was one centered on power. It is a problem that’s pervasive throughout our communities, and significantly acute in southwest Virginia.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Only a few days in the past Cornell College reached a $60 million cope with the Trump administration to be able to see their federal funding restored. That is the fifth such deal for the reason that administration started this stress marketing campaign on universities.
I do know you went to College of Virginia, as did I, and should be following that UVA reduce offers with the federal government, together with kicking out the president of the varsity. You known as that extortion. However now, as governor, are you going to need to play ball with the Division of Training and the Justice Division to be able to preserve federal authorities funding going?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: So, it ought to – it ought to shock everybody that universities, private and non-private, are receiving calls for from the federal authorities and that {dollars} – analysis {dollars} are being withheld, that our universities are below assault. And positively what we have seen within the case of the College of Virginia, of a preferred, skilled, wonderful president, was pushed out. And on the bottom right here we didn’t see our governor, in any approach, step up in protection of our college.
And the concept the federal authorities can be withholding federal {dollars}, you already know, together with {dollars} already appropriated by Congress for analysis to be able to compel universities to take sure actions, it’s absolute federal authorities overreach. And as governor, I shall be clear- eyed about guaranteeing that we’ve buildings in place, together with boards of tourists throughout our universities, that need to defend educational freedom and, frankly, the viability and vitality of extraordinary establishments, just like the College of Virginia.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to ask you about your celebration. In 2020, when Democrats misplaced Home seats, you mentioned “we have to not ever use the phrase socialist or socialism ever once more.” There are some who look to Tuesday’s win in New York Metropolis of a Democratic socialist and say that your celebration’s truly being rewarded for echoing progressive insurance policies. Does that victory create a branding downside for Democrats?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: Properly, actually, you already know, I am enthusiastic about what we did right here in Virginia on Tuesday in – I campaigned addressing – wanting to handle the problems of prices and stopping the chaos. I am a capitalist. I am a Democrat. And I received by 15 factors in Virginia. You look to New Jersey, and an analogous story in Mikie Sherrill’s win, now the governor- elect there.
And so I feel, you already know, actually we’re a giant tent celebration, however once I have a look at what led to the success that we had right here and the – you already know, the mandate for actual governance right here within the Commonwealth of Virginia, it was based mostly on what I campaigned on, the efforts to essentially handle the challenges that persons are going through in a day-to-day foundation. And – and now it is on us to ship and show that basically really the mandate that we’ve to work on decreasing prices and strengthening our faculties and holding our communities protected and creating regular management right here within the Commonwealth of Virginia significantly in gentle of the chaos popping out of Washington, that not solely was it a profitable message, however the profitable path in direction of governance.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thanks very a lot in your time this morning, Governor- elect Abigail Spanberger, the – who would be the first feminine governor ever of the state of Virginia.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: On Friday, we spoke with one of many different huge Democratic winners final Tuesday, New Jersey’s Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, who’s presently a member of Congress, and requested whether or not given her new function because the chief govt of a state exhausting hit by the shutdown she would assist the Democratic Social gathering place of blocking authorities funding till Obamacare subsidies are prolonged.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL (D-NJ): Properly, it is actually essential that we sustain that combat as a result of we see out there prices going up by 175 p.c if the Republicans do not handle this well being care disaster. We all know that there have already been big cuts within the one huge, stunning invoice to individuals’s entry to well being care.
And, you already know, once we have a look at this disaster, a lot of it’s actually imposed by Donald Trump. So, there may be cash for him to place in direction of SNAP funding that he is refusing to do, despite the fact that courts are demanding it. Now he is type of sluggish strolling it, making it very tough for states to do this illegally. And courts are holding him accountable.
We see with air visitors management issues, a few of it’s because the administration hasn’t moved shortly sufficient at Newark in among the issues we had over the summer time. So, we’re already down by 25 p.c. Now, with this disaster happening, as a result of the president refuses to open up the federal government, we’re seeing one other 10 p.c in flights being derailed, and we see continued late and delayed flights.
So, it is time that the federal government – that the Trump administration, that Republicans within the Home and the Senate get critical about opening up authorities.
MARGARET BRENNAN: After we have a look at our latest polling, a majority of Individuals are actually involved that this shutdown goes to harm the general financial system. How will you justify the harm?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Properly, it really is hurting the financial system. And you’ll’t justify the harm, which is why the president and the Senate and Republican majority within the Home must get this authorities open. They usually want to take action in a approach that is going to cease punishing the American individuals.
I feel what we noticed with this election is the American individuals want – you already know, are actually demanding that our federal authorities function in a approach that’s going to cease punishing them economically. I am going to inform you, I ran on affordability, on the truth that I’ll combat in Trenton to verify we’re slicing by means of pink tape and allowing to drive down prices. But additionally that I’ll proceed to combat that – for Washington to handle issues just like the tariff program, which is elevating prices on the whole lot from a cup of espresso to groceries, to combat the one huge stunning invoice, which is continuous to boost prices on training, innovation, housing, well being care, to proceed to combat this authorities shutdown in order that we will actually handle well being care wants right here within the state.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You retain saying it is as much as the president to reopen the federal government, however you withheld your individual vote on that persevering with decision, that short-term funding invoice. And over within the Senate, Chief Thune is tearing into Democrats for that call. He mentioned, “it reveals you are not caring that there are women and men in uniform frequenting meals banks due to the shutdown, not making characterize funds, making an attempt to borrow.” He mentioned Dems view this as leverage. And he used that phrase as a result of it was your Home management, Katherine Clark, justified withholding votes to finish the shutdown, saying, that is one of many few components of leverage that Democrats have.
How do you reply to this accusation that it is truly Democrats who’re being heartless right here?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Properly, when you have got the Republicans which have the presidency, they’ve the bulk within the Senate, they’ve the bulk within the Home, they’ve even – many would day, together with myself, taken over the courtroom system, then they’ve a accountability to open up this authorities. And I’ve to inform you, as a veteran myself, I understand how devastating that’s.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, it was – it was with Clark who mentioned these votes are leverage.
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Leverage to serve the American individuals. I imply we see time and again these Republican assaults on the whole lot from well being care – look, if they do not fund the Reasonably priced Care Act, prices are going to go up by 175 p.c for individuals right here in New Jersey at already excessive ranges. That’s going to kick so many individuals off well being care. That is on high of the large Medicare cuts that we’re seeing within the one huge stunning invoice, on high of the tariff cuts which can be elevating grocery costs all over the place, on high of the combat he is in, which is elevating gasoline costs.
So, time and again, we’re seeing the Trump administration punishing individuals. And these Republicans have gotten to return to the desk and so they’ve obtained to begin actually working for the American individuals. And this election confirmed that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However whenever you had been speaking in regards to the extension of the well being care subsidies, why is not the promise to carry a vote on these well being care subsidies sufficient for Democrats to vote to reopen the federal government?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: So, we’re working exhausting to handle the considerations for the American individuals. And Republicans time and again are refusing to handle that. So, proper now that is a part of how we get the federal government open. And they need to do it proper now.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, the – Chief Thune mentioned he’ll maintain a vote.
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: I feel we’ve seen what the guarantees that Republicans have made have been value. What he must do is definitely put the subsidies in. We will serve the American individuals. We will drive down well being care prices. And that is actually key.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s discuss a bit about your election. As you mentioned, the financial system was entrance and heart for you. Power costs particularly you centered in on. In New Jersey, they’re up 19 p.c over the previous 12 months versus six p.c nationwide. I do know you need to declare a state of emergency day one, however what does it truly imply? How shortly will costs come down?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: So, the state of emergency will freeze fee hikes as a result of there are some fee hikes which can be set to return into play within the subsequent a number of months. And I, you already know, I am not going to permit these to be placed on the again of the New Jersey fee pair. And we see that the can has been kicked down the highway by too many individuals.
So, the utility firms have already come to the desk so say, OK, let’s negotiate these fee hikes. Now we have cash that is available in by means of the BP (ph) view (ph) to defray the prices. However what’s actually going to additionally occur could be very shortly I am turning to including plenty of energy to our grid. Proper now, PJM, that is our regional grid operator, has actually screwed up the marketplace for numerous causes and so each electron we produce in New Jersey will defray the prices of electrical energy we’ve to purchase in the marketplace. So, that is why instantly I’ll reduce by means of pink tape and allowing delays to get photo voltaic performed. We’ll proceed to construct out battery storage. After which, within the first price range, we’ll increase modernization of our pure gasoline services and, in the long run, nuclear.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You mentioned on CNN this previous week that “there is a feeling working individuals haven’t been heard” and that “there’s an excessive amount of warning and mediocrity within the Democratic Social gathering at present.” What did you imply by that?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: That as I used to be speaking to individuals throughout this state, 1000’s of individuals, they needed to see an agenda to get their prices down. And one thing that was going to happen shortly. As I mentioned, you already know, I am not writing a strongly worded letter, I am not doing a ten-year plan, I am on day one declaring a state of emergency. Not simply because I am livid that, you already know, as too many individuals have failed New Jersey fee payers, that prices are being dumped on them. Sure, that could be a big downside for me that I am addressing. However it additionally, I feel, conveys that sense of urgency that I really feel to work for the individuals of New Jersey in order that they know that this can be a day one concern for me.
Additionally they need to see someone, although, that has their backs as a result of they know that these tariffs are elevating prices. They know that the one huge, stunning invoice goes to remove their well being care. They know {that a} tax on the Gateway Tunnel mission are going to boost prices right here and actually reduce into job alternatives. So, they need to know that whoever is governing goes to be centered on governing for them, not a celebration of 1 like Donald Trump.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, your criticism there was of fellow Democrats, as I understood it. However let me ask you about Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi. She simply introduced that she goes to be leaving Congress. Once I spoke to her final on this program, she indicated that she is aware of it is an issue recruiting new candidates, partially due to the atmosphere we’re in, together with simply how nasty our politics are and the safety threats. And he or she mentioned that is discouraging particularly girls who concern the impression on kids.
What do you say to these contemplating for workplace proper now? Are you seeing that, that feminine candidates are scared of doing what you simply did?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Properly, we labored very exhausting right here in New Jersey to essentially construct out a future and an concept that’s going to deliver everyone in and actually working exhausting to maintain individuals protected. Public security is a large someway for me and for individuals throughout the state as we double down on our constitutional protections, freedom of speech, freedom of meeting, et cetera. However it’s a scary time.
I bear in mind, proper after I received my main, the assassinations in Minnesota occurred. And right here I’ve 4 children and I am immediately considering, oh my gosh, am I placing them in danger by operating?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: However, you already know, what I feel most of us are weighing is, as mothers, if we’re candidates is, what’s my children’ future appear to be if I do not run? And that is on steadiness, I feel, persons are selecting to run. I see girls throughout our state operating. Now we have, you already know, individuals newly entering into races and likewise among the nice highly effective girls in our state persevering with to serve. So, I do not suppose it is dissuading them. However it actually is on our minds as we’re fascinated by, how are we going to maintain our households protected as we’re operating for elected workplace.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, Congresswoman, we’ll be watching as you transition into being the following governor of New Jersey.
Thanks in your time at present.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to the Republican governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrisey, who joins us from Charleston.
Good morning to you, sir.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY (R-WV): Hey, good morning, Margaret. Good to be with you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your state has one of many highest poverty charges within the nation, practically 16 p.c of residents depend on meals stamps, that SNAP program we have been speaking about. In actual fact, the very first meals stamp pilot program started in West Virginia again within the Sixties.
Given the present shutdown and the way rural your state is, I ponder, can you get assist to those that want it proper now?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Completely. Look, nice query. I do need to begin out, to begin with, thanking you for having me on this system.
One piece of data popping out of West Virginia, we have had a mining accident, and we’ve groups down in search of a lacking miner. I simply need to say, that our hearts and prayers exit to the household of that miner. We’re doing the whole lot we will to find that individual.
Now, in relation to the federal government shutdown, we’re doing the whole lot we will to assist these in want. On the very starting, I began standing up for the federal staff, and we introduced that to handle among the considerations with meals, we had been going to ship important {dollars} to the meals banks by tomorrow. That shall be as much as $13 million. I’ve activated the Nationwide Guard. And we’re doing issues to be sure that nobody in West Virginia goes hungry.
Our persons are hurting proper now, and I am doing the whole lot I can to resolve the issues whereas Washington bickers. However I do need to be clear, this shutdown might come to an finish immediately. It is as much as Chuck Schumer or simply having six extra Democrats step throughout the road.
There’s been a clear CR on the desk obtainable for a while. Individuals ought to benefit from that and let’s get the federal government reopened after which we will go in regards to the enterprise of fixing the numerous different issues going through our nation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. I am sorry to listen to in regards to the mining accident.
However on the difficulty of meals stamps, Governor Moore of Maryland mentioned that he had been instructed the state can be punished basically for fronting the cash. Is that the message the federal authorities additionally gave to you, West Virginia will not get these {dollars} again?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: No. Properly, to begin with, I need to emphasize, the Trump administration has been an excellent companion to work with all through the previous 12 months by way of the financial progress that we’re making right here in West Virginia.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Positive.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: But additionally we have reached out – I used to be the primary individual to succeed in out to the federal authorities. So we had our nationwide parks reopened.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: And now we’re working, by activating the Guard, and placing assets on the meals banks. We’re truly making a distinction to maintain individuals from getting hungry.
So, we have been in very shut contact with the Trump administration. They usually’ve been very cooperative.
Look, I feel they know, and everybody’s pissed off, that you simply’re six votes brief. These Democrats are saying no to reopening the federal government. It is a Schumer shutdown. I feel President Trump is bending over backwards to be useful, and I am excited in regards to the issues he is doing by way of how he is dealing with this and the broader financial points at giant.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Properly, there may be the combat within the courts particularly about offering full meals help. The Trump administration initiated that. I need to play one thing for you as a result of 70 p.c of West Virginians voted for President Trump within the final election.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However here is how he described the meals stamp program.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, (President of america): Largely, whenever you speak about SNAP, you are speaking about largely Democrats. However I am president. I need to assist everyone. I need to assist Democrats and Republicans. However whenever you’re speaking about SNAP, for those who look, it is largely Democrats. They’re hurting their very own individuals.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Have you ever made the White Home conscious of the ache from the meals SNAP – the meals program disruptions particularly?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Sure. So, we have been working carefully with the White Home. And I feel they know. They have been very supportive of plenty of the efforts that we’re taking to be sure that individuals do not get hungry. That is the final word aim. Now we have to verify we’re defending our individuals.
Margaret, you are proper, we’ve 270,000 plus individuals on SNAP. However, as soon as once more, there’s one motive why they don’t seem to be getting the assets. It is as a result of persons are insisting so as to add all these new items on high of only a invoice (ph) to maintain the federal government open. That is the priority we’ve.
However we have been getting actually good response from the Trump administration throughout the board.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Whether or not we’re speaking in regards to the meals points, whether or not we’re speaking about our power jobs and even only in the near past the conversations we’re having about President Trump’s rural well being transformation invoice to place assets upfront to save lots of public expenditures on the again finish.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to ask you about that.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: That is the type of good working relationship we have had.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I need to ask you about that as a result of I do know West Virginia has one of many highest charges within the nation for presidency insurance coverage. There’s concern about rural hospitals. There may be this rural well being transformation program Congress arrange. Your state might get $100 million a 12 months for 5 years, however your West Virginia Hospital Affiliation says that your hospitals are going to lose greater than $1 billion per 12 months due to this newest huge, stunning invoice Republicans handed. How do you make up that type of shortfall?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Properly, I feel what President Trump and RFK and Dr. Oz are attempting to do is frequent sense. For those who subscribe to the adage, an oz. of prevention is value a pound of remedy, what they’re making an attempt to do is make investments the one largest sum of money in bettering rural well being. And in West Virginia, meaning the whole lot as a result of we’re a really rural state.
So, the assets can go to put money into our individuals, to put money into our hospitals, our suppliers, and the know-how that really might transfer the needle by way of bettering well being care outcomes upfront.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Attacking weight problems and COPD and substance use dysfunction.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: So, we’re actually enthusiastic about that as a result of if we apply the assets the correct approach, I do not suppose we’ll have the diminution of public expenditures on the again finish.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: That is the common sense strategy we’re seeing from the Trump administration that we’re not seeing from Schumer and the Democrats in Congress.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK. All proper.
Governor, we’ve to depart it there. We’re out of time. Thanks.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: The USA Marine Corps will mark its 250th birthday tomorrow. And Veterans Day is Tuesday.
For a lot of veterans, the tip of their army service just isn’t the tip of their public service. Greater than 700,000 veterans work as civilians within the federal authorities. And as a result of shutdown, most are furloughed or have been working with out pay for weeks.
Not like veterans, active-duty service members have been getting paid in the course of the shutdown, however even that lifeline will expire Saturday. And a few context, many army households already wrestle with a rising quantity compelled to hunt help from meals pantries over the previous couple of years amid excessive costs and mounting financial stress.
That is it for us at present. Thanks for watching.
