Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Talks

Episode: Rep. Mike Lawler Talks Government Shutdown
Date: September 30, 2025
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17)

Overview

This episode of “Bloomberg Talks” centers on the looming threat of a U.S. government shutdown. Congressman Mike Lawler, a Republican representing New York’s 17th district, discusses the political stalemate, the consequences of a shutdown, ongoing negotiations around healthcare subsidies, and broader economic impacts. The conversation is fast-paced, candid, and reflects Lawler’s frustration with what he characterizes as political posturing from Democratic leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Likelihood and Consequences of a Shutdown

• Shutdown Imminent: Lawler expresses regret about the likely government shutdown, squarely blaming Democratic leaders for the impasse.
• Detrimental Effects: He warns of significant fallout—from market disruptions to impacts on social safety nets, border security, military operations, and veterans’ benefits.
  • Quote: “I think it is foolish to shut down the government. It is going to create chaos in the markets. It will create chaos for the American people, especially those who rely on the social safety net, border security, our military, veterans benefits, etc.” (Mike Lawler, 00:53)

2. Political Blame and the Role of Continuing Resolutions (CRs)

• Blame Game: Lawler accuses Democrats, particularly Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, of “changing their position entirely” on CRs compared to previous years.
• His Voting Record: States he’s consistently supported all CRs, regardless of party, to keep government open for final appropriations negotiations.
  • Quote: “I was against it when Republicans wanted to shut down the government and I'm against it here when Democrats want to do it.” (Mike Lawler, 01:27)
• Senate Inaction: Points to a House-passed clean CR “sitting in the Senate,” claiming Schumer refuses to act.

3. Negotiations Around ACA Subsidies

• Short-Term Extension Advocacy: Lawler supports a one-year extension of ACA (Obamacare) subsidies, linking their origin to COVID-19 job losses.
  • Quote: “We don't want people to be unduly hurt, obviously, by healthcare premium increases. But to try and shut the government down while negotiating some of these issues is foolish.” (Mike Lawler, 02:54)
• Broader Healthcare Concerns: Raises the question of why such subsidies are still needed if the Affordable Care Act was supposed to lower costs; advocates for bipartisan efforts to reduce overall healthcare costs.
  • Quote: “If the Affordable Care act was supposed to reduce health care premiums, was supposed to increase access, why is it not working as intended 15 years later?” (Mike Lawler, 04:17)

4. Economic Impacts & Republican Messaging

• Market and GDP: Points out that previous shutdowns didn’t harm the stock market but emphasizes potential impacts on GDP.
  • Quote: “We've seen in shutdowns prior, for instance, the stock market has generally grown. The biggest concern has been on GDP.” (Mike Lawler, 06:22)
• Labor Market Anxiety: Acknowledges concerns about unemployment; stresses the need for stability to support ongoing economic recovery.
• Democratic Precedent: Criticizes Democrats for not following their past statements about the risks of shutdowns and the importance of CRs.

5. Implications for the Federal Reserve and Economic Data

• Fed Data Disruption: Addresses the risk that a shutdown could delay jobs data crucial for the Federal Reserve’s decision-making.
  • Quote: “These are all the concerns and considerations that go into a government shutdown and why I fundamentally believe regardless of which party is in power, shutting the government down is stupid.” (Mike Lawler, 08:11)
• Push for Rate Cuts: Criticizes the Fed as being “late to the game” on both raising and now reducing interest rates, and calls for more aggressive cuts.
  • Quote: “Jerome Powell needs to advance rate cuts in a serious way so that we can continue to move this economy in the right direction.” (Mike Lawler, 08:57)

6. White House Threats of Layoffs

• Layoff Concerns: Responds to reports of a White House memo regarding possible permanent layoffs as a result of a prolonged shutdown.
  • Quote: “I don't agree with permanent layoffs. But this is the challenge. When you have a shutdown, the executive will make determinations as to who's essential, who is not, restructuring of departments and agencies based on a lack of funding.” (Mike Lawler, 09:44)
• Strategic Messaging: Urges Democrats to pass a clean CR to avoid such staff cuts and position disruptions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shutdown Politics:
  “It is pure political posturing by my Democratic colleagues because they are not in the majority. And from my vantage point, that is not what you do.” (Mike Lawler, 01:13)
• Healthcare Reflection:
  “Obviously, there's a broader issue with health insurance cost in this country, and I think that is something that Republicans and Democrats should work on together to focus on how we reduce overall costs.” (Mike Lawler, 04:41)
• Fed Policy Frustration:
  “Fundamentally, I believe the Fed has been late to the game, both when they needed to raise interest rates in the past and, and now in terms of reducing interest rates, I think they need to cut interest rates far greater than they have.” (Mike Lawler, 08:20)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:29 – 01:30: Lawler details imminent shutdown, assigns blame, discusses CRs
• 02:29 – 03:49: ACA subsidies debate and risks of linking negotiations to shutdowns
• 04:17 – 05:43: Long-term perspective on healthcare subsidies, cost, and bipartisan cooperation
• 05:43 – 07:44: Economic impacts of a shutdown, labor market anxiety, Republican messaging
• 07:44 – 09:22: Impacts on the Federal Reserve, jobs data, and criticism of monetary policy
• 09:22 – 10:45: Discussing potential layoff threats and the leverage of shutdown tactics

Tone & Takeaways

Congressman Lawler is direct, frustrated, and resolute in his message: government shutdown is a political tactic that ultimately hurts the country, not just one party. He considers CR passage a matter of common sense, supports incremental healthcare subsidy extensions, and is critical of both current Democratic leaders and the Federal Reserve’s pace on rates. The episode provides insight into Capitol Hill’s combative atmosphere and the practical stakes as a shutdown looms.