The House Republican Who Says His Party Is Mishandling the Shutdown

What It Covers

Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley criticizes his party's handling of the government shutdown, particularly Speaker Johnson's decision to keep the House out of session for five weeks during the crisis affecting millions.

Key Questions Answered

• •Congressional Accountability: Kiley attends the Capitol daily during shutdown to protest Speaker Johnson's indefinite House recess, arguing legislators should negotiate solutions for expiring SNAP benefits affecting tens of millions and address healthcare subsidy cliffs.
• •Mid-Decade Redistricting: Kiley introduced legislation banning mid-decade congressional redistricting after Trump requested Texas redraw maps, triggering California Governor Newsom's retaliation that could split Kiley's district into six pieces, but Republican leadership refuses floor vote.
• •Rescissions Undermine Trust: Democrats cite the $9 billion rescissions bill clawing back previously approved bipartisan spending as proof Republicans cannot be trusted in negotiations, creating legitimate concerns about future spending agreements despite requiring 60 Senate votes.
• •Institutional Erosion: The House's five-week absence during shutdown prevents oversight, legislation review, and emergency responses while the Senate remains in session, demonstrating how excessive partisanship prevents Congress from performing its most basic constitutional functions.