Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks – Congressman Bryan Steil Talks Government Shutdown

Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Karen Moscow, Nathan Hager (Bloomberg)
Guest: Congressman Bryan Steil (Republican, Wisconsin’s 1st District)

Overview

In this episode, Representatives Karen Moscow and Nathan Hager speak with Congressman Bryan Steil amid an ongoing federal government shutdown. Steil shares his perspectives on the causes of the stalemate, the impact of the shutdown on essential services like military pay and agricultural assistance, and broader legislative and policy implications, from health care premiums to trade policy. The conversation highlights partisan dynamics, particularly between House Republicans and Senate Democrats, and explores possible resolutions to reopen the government.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The House, Senate, and the "Clean CR" (Continuing Resolution)

• Steil’s Opening Position (00:47): Congressman Steil insists the government shutdown persists because Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, refuse to vote for a "clean CR"—legislation to continue government funding without policy riders.
  • Quote: “This used to be a non-controversial vote here on Capitol Hill. In fact, Democrats have voted time and again in favor of clean CRs, most recently in the spring. What changed is the politics for Democrats in the United States Senate.” — Congressman Steil [00:47]
• Steil argues the House has already “done our job” by passing a clean CR and blames the Senate for inaction and political posturing.

2. Shutdown Impacts and Presidential Involvement

• Government Services at Risk (01:56): Steil emphasizes consequences for troops and essential personnel, crediting former President Trump for “extraordinary actions” to mitigate harm, but warns these are only temporary fixes.
  • Quote: “...the consequences will continue to build. The pressure will build. And I do believe at some point the Senate will come to the table and recognize that their action to close the federal government...was the wrong bet.” — Congressman Steil [01:56]
• Calls for Negotiation (03:11): Steil insists discussions on FY26 appropriations and other policy priorities must take place in an open government context; he criticizes Senate procedural hurdles as unnecessary obstacles.

3. Health Care and Insurance Premiums

• Rising Premiums and ACA Critique (04:31): Responding to news about escalating ACA premiums, especially in states like Maine and Michigan, Steil blames Democrats for structural flaws and an impending sunset in subsidies.
  • Quote: “The data continues to come in that the Affordable Care Act was anything but affordable for the American people....There's plenty of evidence of the waste, fraud and abuse...” — Congressman Steil [04:31]
• He cites a Treasury report highlighting deep problems and calls for “meaningful and substantive reform” of the ACA.

4. Impact on Farmers and Trade with China

• Delayed Economic Assistance (06:08): Steil relays a recent discussion with Wisconsin soybean farmers, acknowledging the government’s role in short-term subsidies but stresses the need for long-term trade solutions, specifically restoring exports to China.
  • Quote: “The short-term fix may be that type of a subsidy, but the long-term fix is getting trade agreements in place and having China once again purchasing US soy.” — Congressman Steil [06:08]
• He sees an opportunity to work with allies and hold China accountable while supporting American farmers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Senate Inaction:
  “Chuck Schumer is beholden to his radical base. A lot of us are frustrated. It’s time for us to move on because there’s really important negotiations in front of us, including fiscal year 26 appropriations…” — Congressman Steil [00:47]
• On Shutdown Consequences:
  “Many of these [actions] are one time actions. And so the consequences will continue to build. The pressure will build. And I do believe at some point the Senate will come to the table...” — Congressman Steil [01:56]
• On Filibuster and Senate Process:
  “Senator Fetterman is even calling now and saying maybe we have to overcome [the filibuster] because a minority of United States senators are standing in the way under the leadership of Chuck Schumer from reopening the federal government.” — Congressman Steil [03:11]
• Healthcare Costs:
  “The program the Democrats put in place...there is plenty of evidence of the waste, fraud and abuse inside this Democrat-created program.” — Congressman Steil [04:31]
• Farming and Trade:
  “The short-term fix may be providing some level of assistance. The long-term fix is striking these trade agreements to the benefit of American workers and farmers.” — Congressman Steil [06:08]

Key Timestamps

• 00:47 — Steil blames Senate Democrats for the shutdown, calls for passing the clean CR
• 01:56 — Steil warns about mounting consequences and pressure on the Senate; comments on Trump’s actions
• 03:11 — Steil on shutdown negotiations, appropriations, and Senate filibuster challenges
• 04:31 — Discussion on ACA premium hikes, Steil calls for health care reform
• 06:08 — Farming aid and US-China trade: Steil describes conversations with Wisconsin farmers

Episode Tone and Context

• The conversation is direct, partisan, and urgent, reflecting the high political tension around the shutdown. Steil defends his caucus’s actions, criticizes Senate leadership, and uses examples directly relevant to his Wisconsin constituents—troop pay, health care costs, and farm exports.
• Hosts Karen Moscow and Nathan Hager remain factual but pointed with their questions, driving at practical impacts and exploring potential resolutions.

This summary encapsulates the central themes and dynamics of the episode, providing both a clear narrative and rapid access to the episode’s major arguments and moments.