Bloomberg Talks: Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto Talks Shutdown Negotiations

Date: October 23, 2025
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the ongoing federal government shutdown, highlighted as the second-longest in U.S. history and potentially set to become the longest. The conversation explores bipartisan efforts to resolve the impasse, the critical issue of Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care subsidies, the role of political leadership—particularly that of President Donald Trump—and the shutdown’s real-world impacts, especially in Nevada. The episode wraps with Senator Cortez Masto's views on impending Russian sanctions amid broader foreign policy concerns.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bipartisan Efforts and the ACA Health Care Subsidies

• Senator Cortez Masto opens by emphasizing a coalition of both Democrats and Republicans working behind the scenes to break the shutdown deadlock and secure the extension of ACA health care subsidies.
  • Quote (00:47):
    "There's a group of U.S. Democrats and Republicans trying to come together and help get through this impasse. ... We need to open up the government and we need to extend the health care subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. I think there's the AB to do both."
• She highlights the universal impact of failing to extend these subsidies:
  • Quote (01:29):
    "I don't care. With your blue state, red state, purple state. It's about Americans ... If we don't [extend subsidies], there's probably about 22 million Americans ... not only going to see their health care costs go up, some of them are going to lose access to health care because they can't afford it."

2. Negotiations and the Role of Political Leadership

• Senator Cortez Masto stresses that progress depends on participation from Republican leadership and direct engagement from President Trump.
  • Quote (02:45):
    "A key part of this conversation is going to be the man in the White House, Donald Trump, because the leadership of Republicans in the Republican Party ... they're only going to do what he says."
  • She critiques Trump for not being present in Washington to mediate talks.
• The Senator underscores the personal and systemic consequences if no solution is found, using a hypothetical Nevada family:
  • Quote (03:38):
    "If you're making $56,000 a year, you're going to see your health care premium go up by at least $200. That's crazy. There's going to be double dig increase for premiums..."
  • She describes ripple effects on hospital systems and emergency care.

3. Long-Term Continuing Resolutions (CRs) vs. Genuine Negotiation

• The possibility of a long-term CR (to 2026) is raised, with the Senator lamenting that significant negotiation occurs through the media rather than between lawmakers.
  • Quote (04:53): "Instead of ... talking amongst each other, Democrats and Republicans ... we're hearing conversations from the press and offers coming from the press. No offense to both of you, but this is where this should happen: right here in Washington."
  • Expresses frustration with leadership on both sides not working collaboratively.

4. What Could End The Impasse?

• Turning point would come from honest discussions on priorities: reopening government, passing appropriations, and fixing ACA.
  • Quote (05:37): "We all obviously need to open up the government. We have to address ... appropriations bills ... and we have to fix the Affordable Care Act. All of those things are on the table."

5. Real-World Shutdown Impacts in Nevada and National Security

• Details broad consequences in Nevada:
  • Furlough of nuclear stockpile inspectors (national security risk)
  • Ripple effects in tourism, housing, and small business lending
  • Federal workers and contractors suffering as “pawns” in political games
  • Quote (06:30):
    "Federal workers and federal contracts are constantly pawns and at the whims of political agendas. And it's just outrageous to me ... This is a very example of what the impact is in Nevada."
  • Notes housing market slowdowns and stalled SBA loans due to lack of federal workers.

6. Foreign Policy: Sanctions on Russia

• Senator Cortez Masto expresses strong support for upcoming sanctions on Russia and continued support for Ukraine.
  • Quote (09:03): "I support sanctions against Russia and have in the past and will continue to do so. I think we need to put as much pressure as we can on Russia. I support Ukraine. What is going on is outrageous."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bipartisanship:
  "There's a group of U.S. Democrats and Republicans trying to come together and help get through this impasse." (00:47, Cortez Masto)
• On President Trump's Role:
  "Donald Trump has to be a part of this conversation. He can't be flying around everywhere. He needs to be here in Washington bringing the parties together." (03:02, Cortez Masto)
• On Shutdown Impact:
  "Federal workers and federal contracts are constantly pawns ... and it's just outrageous to me." (06:46, Cortez Masto)
• On Russian Sanctions:
  "We have to continue using the levers that we have here. Some of those are sanctions ... and I hope we do use all the levers we can to hold Russia and Putin accountable." (09:17, Cortez Masto)

Important Timestamps

• 00:47–02:31: Bipartisan efforts, ACA subsidies, and the impact of losing them
• 02:45–04:16: Negotiations; President Trump's vital role; cost of inaction for families
• 04:53–05:30: Critique of negotiating through the press; call for real leadership
• 06:04–08:41: Nevada-specific impacts; nuclear security, tourism, small business loans
• 09:03–09:35: Foreign policy and sanctions on Russia

Conclusion

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto voices urgent concern about the ongoing government shutdown, pressing for real bipartisan negotiation and direct leadership engagement. She points to critical health care issues and dire economic and security impacts, particularly in Nevada. Throughout, she calls for practical, people-first solutions and a return to governance over partisan maneuvering, concluding with an unequivocal stance for strong action against Russia on the international stage.