Podcast Summary — Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Rep. Bryan Steil Talks Congress Latest, Tariffs & Trump's Fed Pick
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Karen Moskow & Nathan Hager, Bloomberg News
Guest: Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), Chair, House Administration Committee

Episode Overview

In this episode, Bloomberg hosts Karen Moskow and Nathan Hager interview Rep. Bryan Steil to discuss the latest debates in Congress, including federal government shutdown threats, ICE reforms, ongoing talks on election security and the MEGA Act, as well as the future of American tariffs, trade policy, and the possibility of 15% GDP growth under Trump's Fed pick, Kevin Warsh.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming Government Shutdown & ICE Reforms

• Shutdown Tensions:
  Steil criticizes Democrats for using shutdown threats as leverage, emphasizing essential roles of DHS and calling for a cooler-headed approach.
  Quote:

  "Here we are again, Democrats threatening to shut down and this time a portion of the federal government if they don't get their way. I think what we need to do is have cooler heads prevail."
  — Rep. Steil [01:09]

• Continuing Resolutions:
  While not ideal, Steil supports further continuing resolutions (CRs) over government shutdowns, but stresses the need for a longer CR, giving negotiation space. Quote:

  "I don't love CRs, but boy, they're better than shutting down the government. ... Two weeks is pretty insufficient for Congress to operate."
  — Rep. Steil [02:24]

• Role of Local Jurisdictions:
  Increasing local cooperation with ICE is improving the situation, according to Steil.
  Quote:

  "More and more local jurisdictions [are] cooperating with ICE and that prevents some of the more challenging situations that we've had."
  — Rep. Steil [01:09]

2. Election Integrity and the MEGA Act

• Purpose of the MEGA Act:
  Steil argues the MEGA (Make Elections Great Again) and SAVE acts create reasonable standards—especially photo ID—for elections, not federalizing them. Quote:

  "I think it's common sense that we should require, for example, photo identification when an individual goes to the polls... So it's common sense, it's popular. This is far from the takeover argument."
  — Rep. Steil [03:35]

• Federal Standards vs. State Control:
  Steil acknowledges state control over elections, but supports baseline federal requirements like photo ID and same-day election results. Quote:

  "I do think it’s appropriate to have a federal standard with which every state must meet at an absolute minimum. ... We should end elections on Election Day so the American public knows the results of elections on the night of the election."
  — Rep. Steil [04:48]

• Evidence from Georgia:
  Points to Georgia’s 2021 election reforms as increasing participation and trust. Quote:

  "High voter participation, increasing confidence. And as that occurs, more and more people are likely to participate, which is a good thing for our democracy."
  — Rep. Steil [04:48]

3. Tariffs, Trade Policy & Congressional Dynamics

• Tariff Policy Debate:
  With procedural votes delayed and dissent within the GOP, Steil highlights the need for constructive engagement with the president and allies. Quote:

  "We have an opportunity here to work with the president ... to bring those trade barriers down and to give American markets access into foreign markets."
  — Rep. Steil [06:18]

• China and Accountability:
  Asserts China has taken advantage of prior trade arrangements, supports holding them accountable while improving alliances.

• Waiting on SCOTUS:
  Supreme Court's pending decision on executive emergency powers could reshape tariff authority, but Steil favors legislative clarity through trade agreements. Quote:

  "The case before the Supreme Court ... could be, depending on how it's written, transformative as we understand emergency powers. ... But I think what we would like to see is the president continue to work and finalize these trade agreements with our allies to provide real stability."
  — Rep. Steil [07:12]

4. The Economy, GDP Growth, and Fed Leadership

• Trump’s 15% GDP Growth Claim:
  Responding to Trump’s assertion that new Fed nominee Kevin Warsh could deliver 15% annual GDP growth, Steil calls it aspirational but emphasizes pro-growth policy. Quote:

  "Well, wouldn't we all love to see it? ... The underlying economy in the United States is strong. If we continue to work to remove the burdens ... and we work to empower the American economy, I think we're going to continue to see strong economic growth."
  — Rep. Steil [08:37]

• Growth as Policy Solution:
  Focuses on economic growth as the primary means to address debt and deficit challenges.
  Quote:

  "The biggest answer to get out of this situation is to grow the economy at rates that we haven't seen."
  — Rep. Steil [08:37]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "At an absolute minimum, we should pass a continuing resolution."
  — Steil [01:09]

• "It's putting in baseline standards so that all Americans have confidence our elections are being run accurately and fairly."
  — Steil [03:35]

• "Elections are core principles. They're common sense and they instill confidence in our elections."
  — Steil [04:48]

• "We should end elections on Election Day so the American public knows the results ... on the night of the election."
  — Steil [04:48]

• "For far too long, countries like China have taken advantage of US Trade agreements"
  — Steil [06:18]

• "If we continue to work to remove the burdens ... through high regulations, through taxes, ... I think we're going to continue to see strong economic growth."
  — Steil [08:37]

Important Timestamps

• Shutdown and ICE reforms: [00:37]–[02:24]
• Election integrity & MEGA Act: [03:01]–[05:38]
• Tariffs & Trade: Procedural and policy debate: [05:38]–[07:57]
• SCOTUS and emergency powers: [06:55]–[07:57]
• 15% GDP growth and Fed pick: [07:57]–[09:25]

Tone and Takeaways

Representative Steil is measured but assertive, advocating practical, popular reforms and emphasizing cooperation both in domestic policy and international trade. He consistently stresses the importance of confidence—whether in elections or the economy—balancing calls for federal action with respect for state authority. The episode closes on a forward-looking, optimistic note about America's economic potential given the right policy framework.