Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas appeared on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power to discuss ongoing budget negotiations with Senate Democrats, the possibility of a government shutdown, and recent announcements from the White House regarding drug prices.

Marshall expressed concern over continued funding for expanded Obamacare subsidies that were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said, “Well, I woke up this morning and I felt like I had a woman in labor. She’s stuck at seven centimeters, and I don’t know if she will deliver tonight or tomorrow, but I wish I had some Pitocin to give Congress and to get this baby out and to finish the job. Yeah, look, these are extra subsidies. These are not the original Obamacare subsidies. These are extra subsidies from the Covid era, covid era subsidies, and we need to debate them. You know, the course, they cost a lot more than we thought they would, probably $35 billion a year.

“On the other hand, the cost of insurance has quadrupled this century. So, I totally get, you know, the concern there, but I think really keeping the government open tonight is our main job today. Keep the government open, and reasonable spending as well. I feel like Chuck Schumer is fighting for his political life, and his base has not realized that they lost the election.

“If I could go back to 2020, the Democrats win the House, the Senate, and the White House, they come in, they spend trillions of dollars more than we wanted... And we never once asked them to rescind that package of spending... Now we feel like he’s shutting the government down over our one big beautiful bill and these Covid-era expenditures as well.”

Regarding potential legislation to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies further into higher income brackets beyond their original intent for those under 400% of poverty level — now covering families earning much more — Marshall said: “Yeah...I would have thought that Chuck Schumer would have come to the White House this weekend...if we fix these Covid-era subsidies then we got a deal...And by the way what we should be talking about is...my transparency bill...a price tags bill that’s going to force hospitals to show exactly what it’s going to cost...driving prescription drug prices down by reforming PBMs...But instead we have this drama tonight that’s basically going to take all oxygen out of room for next foreseeable future.”

Asked if he would support sunsetting these pandemic-era health care subsidies: “So it’s all of above...The Obamacare subsidies were set for people under 400% poverty level. Now we're going up way over 400%, 500%, 600% percent poverty level. People making $200k a year…are getting these subsidies…I think we should dial them down over next two or three years…”

Marshall commented on how long any shutdown might last: “Oh…I think after three or five days…people will find religion on this…and after they see what President is doing…then Democrats find religion again…I think this is political question for Chuck Schumer…his far-left base crucified him when he kept government open in spring…He’s afraid AOC is going to primary him…”

On possible layoffs during a shutdown and President Trump’s negotiation tactics: “I think that President is world champion negotiator…and he’s negotiating through press in many ways…I think you always try make best of bad situation…But I think he’s negotiating.”

Discussing how an agreement could be reached soon on temporary funding: “I don’t think Chuck Schumer knows…we do know ball is in his court…all he has agree to is simple extension…for about four or five weeks…and then can keep negotiating…”

Marshall also addressed recent White House efforts aimed at lowering drug prices by encouraging foreign countries to pay more for U.S.-developed medications while maintaining innovation incentives domestically: “Yeah…and I've been having these private conversations with Big Pharma as well…I think they're sticking together…and they're trying force foreign countries pay their share…80% their business though is in United States…I do think if you want me save Medicare though I need drug for Alzheimer’s…and we can’t kill golden goose here…”