Podcast Summary: Post Reports
Episode Title: Top GOP leader on shutdown: ‘This could go on for quite some time’
Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Colby Ekowicz (The Washington Post)
Guest: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R–West Virginia, senior Republican Senate leader)
EPISODE OVERVIEW
This episode of Post Reports dives into the political brinkmanship behind the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its third week. Host Colby Ekowicz sits down with Senator Shelley Moore Capito, senior Republican from West Virginia and the only woman in Senate Republican leadership, to discuss possible resolutions for the shutdown, the tense negotiations over health care subsidies, and the increasing expansion of presidential power under President Trump. The conversation also explores the erosion of congressional authority, the impact on real Americans (especially in red states like West Virginia), and broader concerns about national civility and online rhetoric.
KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS
1. Shutdown Stalemate: Causes and Impact
- Standoff Summary:
- Democrats demand the extension of health care subsidies to lower premiums before voting to reopen the government.
- Republicans want the government reopened prior to any policy negotiations on subsidies.
- Real World Effects:
- Federal workers beginning to miss paychecks, airport delays, and uncertainty affecting daily life.
Notable Quote:
"As we sit here now at a stalemate, I'm concerned that this could go on for quite some time."
— Senator Capito [01:48]
2. Prospects for a Health Care Deal
- Capito's Position:
- Prefers opening the government first, then negotiating health care and other reforms.
- Open to "extensions for a certain period of time while we work on" reforms, but wants changes to the premium support program.
- Objections to Current Subsidies:
- Criticizes the expansion of premium supports during the COVID years, arguing "many people are paying nothing" and reforms are needed.
- Emphasizes stewardship of taxpayer funds, suggesting the need to review insurance company practices and efficiency.
Memorable Moment:
"To me, that's simple. ... Our troops, all of these things would fade away. If the Democrats, ... just simply join us, open the government and then ... continue the talks."
— Senator Capito [01:48]
3. Political Optics and Impact on Republicans
- Healthcare in Red States:
- Acknowledges many subsidized insurance beneficiaries are from red states like West Virginia (about 67,000 West Virginians).
- Reiterates the need for "fairness" and not just "throwing money" at the problem.
Notable Quote:
"Healthcare is a winning issue, there's no doubt. But ... being good stewards of the American taxpayers, making sure we're not wasting ... is also good politics."
— Senator Capito [04:25]
4. Potential Pathways to Compromise
- Open to Short-Term Extensions:
- Would consider a year-long subsidy extension if "some kind of reforms" accompany it.
- Points out Senate GOP leaders' willingness to discuss/vote on the issue, but rejects Senate Democrats' insistence on a specific policy outcome as a precondition.
- Skepticism of Guarantees:
- "Well, I think I've been here long enough to know there's no guaranteed outcomes." [07:02]
[BREAK FOR ADVERTISEMENTS]
5. Erosion of Congressional Authority: Appropriations & Executive Overreach
- Eroding Power of the Appropriations Committee:
- Capito expresses concern that Congress's authority over spending has been weakened, especially during shutdowns.
- Presidential Actions During Shutdown:
- President Trump has unilaterally enacted layoffs (approx. 4,000 federal workers) and cut some congressionally-approved programs, circumventing legislative intent.
- Capito explains that, while cutting "bloated" government is a goal, some cuts have struck essential services in her state (e.g., NIOSH for coal miners' health and safety), prompting her to intervene directly.
Notable Quote:
"We want to get back to that, to where we're the ones making those decisions. But with the government closed, the Democrats have left the barn door open for the president to be able to do what he's doing."
— Senator Capito [11:20]
6. Expansion of Presidential Power & Use of National Guard
- Trump's Deployment of National Guard:
- Trump has sent troops into several cities over objections of local officials, justifying it by claiming emergency authority.
- Capito argues that federal intervention can be appropriate for D.C. (not a state) and in cities requesting help, but notes court challenges over deployments in places like Chicago and Portland.
Notable Quote:
"I think the president is using a national emergency designation so he can federalize the National Guard there. ... I think it's going to be decided in the courts whether he actually has the ability to do that."
— Senator Capito [13:10]
7. Balancing Congressional and Executive Power
- Wider Worries & Historical Context:
- Capito expresses concern at the shift of power from Congress to the executive, especially as gridlock and shutdowns make dramatic tactics more common.
- Wonders if Americans can "grab the reins of power" back from the executive, as the founders intended.
- Sees the balance as shifting between branches, depending on personalities and the courts.
8. Justice Department and Political Prosecutions
- On Trump Directing DOJ to Prosecute Political Foes:
- Capito notes concerns about previous DOJ actions, referencing recent reports on senators' phone records being accessed post-Jan. 6.
- When asked about her son, now a U.S. attorney, facing pressure to prosecute political opponents:
"Well, you know, I'm going to let him row his own boat. ... Nobody's above the law and those will be decided in the courts."
— Senator Capito [17:02], [18:00]
9. Online Rhetoric, Civility, and Extremism
- Response to Leaked Extreme Texts from Young Republicans:
- Capito condemns any rhetoric referencing Nazis or hate, referencing her father’s WWII service.
- Notes the toxicity of online threats and hopes for greater self-discipline, especially among young people.
Memorable Moment:
"I just think people just need to have more self discipline. ... Young people are going to do stupid things. But that's over the top."
— Senator Capito [19:15]
- Cut off a final question on President Trump's name-calling with:
"Well, I don't do that."
— Senator Capito [19:48]
TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00-01:31 | Introduction and framing of shutdown stalemate | | 01:35-02:36 | Capito on the political deadlock and potential duration | | 02:38-05:45 | Health care negotiations, positions, red state impact | | 05:45-07:02 | Possibility of short-term subsidy extension, bipartisan talks | | 09:38-11:39 | Appropriations committee's diminishing power, Trump layoffs | | 11:46-13:06 | Comparisons to Obama-era shutdown, logic behind layoffs | | 13:06-15:11 | Trump’s use of National Guard, federal vs. local authority | | 15:24-16:36 | Balance of powers, congressional weaknesses | | 16:36-18:05 | DOJ prosecutions of political figures, personal/family impact| | 18:05-19:42 | Online hate, Republican extremist messages, generational shift| | 19:42-19:53 | Capito on political name-calling and final thanks |
CONCLUSION & REFLECTION
Senator Capito frames the prolonged shutdown as a standoff rooted in principle but with profound human and political costs. She advocates reopening government as a prerequisite to negotiations, criticizes what she sees as overreach by both the executive branch and her Democratic counterparts, and calls for bipartisan reforms to health care subsidies. Capito’s responses reflect deep concern for the shifting balance of power in Washington and the rising incivility in both politics and civic discourse.
While open to compromise, she stays firm on needing reforms and criticizes the elevation of politics over policy—on both sides.
SELECTED NOTABLE QUOTES
- "As we sit here now at a stalemate, I'm concerned that this could go on for quite some time." — Capito [01:48]
- "To me, that's simple. ... People would get their paychecks. ... If the Democrats, ... just simply join us, open the government and then ... continue the talks." — Capito [01:48]
- "67,000 West Virginians receive premium support. ... I want to make sure that beautician and barber and small business owner can afford the insurance." — Capito [04:25]
- "We want to get back to that, to where we're the ones making those decisions. But with the government closed, the Democrats have left the barn door open for the president to be able to do what he's doing." — Capito [11:20]
- "Nobody's above the law and those will be decided in the courts." — Capito [18:00]
- "I just think people just need to have more self discipline. ... Young people are going to do stupid things. But that's over the top." — Capito [19:15]
For those who missed the episode, this summary captures the key political dynamics, personal perspectives, and central tensions discussed, offering clarity beyond the partisan headlines.