Amid the ongoing government shutdown, California Representative Kevin Kiley is defying the trend of his colleagues by continuing his work in Washington, D.C. While most House members have returned to their districts, Speaker Mike Johnson instructed them to do so. Kiley remains committed to seeking solutions during this challenging time.
Kevin Kiley’s Commitment During Shut Down
In a candid interview with NPR’s Morning Edition, Kiley emphasized his dedication to constructive dialogue. “I’m looking for any and all constructive conversations toward getting us out of this mess,” he stated. His efforts have involved discussions with representatives from both parties, even as critical government services are affected.
Impact of the Shutdown
Kiley represents California’s 3rd District, which includes renowned destinations like Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks. He has voiced strong criticism of Speaker Johnson’s decision to call for a recess during the shutdown. Kiley pointed out the urgency of the situation, noting that many Americans are facing direct consequences:
- People are losing food assistance benefits.
- Flight delays are affecting travelers.
- Other costs are increasing for citizens.
Kiley highlighted that the government shutdown has effectively halted the normal functioning of Congress. “We have 20 committees in the House of Representatives, countless subcommittees that were supposed to be doing things each of the last four weeks,” he remarked.
Disagreements within Congress
While Speaker Johnson believes keeping lawmakers home puts pressure on the Senate to address funding issues, Kiley disagrees. He argued, “Clearly, it’s not working.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Sometimes you have to work with people who have a different position to find common ground.”
Support for New Representatives
Democratic leaders have also criticized Speaker Johnson’s approach, suggesting that it delays the seating of Adelita Grijalva, the new representative from Arizona. Kiley supports her immediate swearing-in, asserting, “She won her election. I don’t know why this is even an issue.”
Looking Ahead
Furthermore, Kiley expressed his willingness to negotiate on key issues, including the Affordable Care Act subsidies, which have been a major point of contention in ongoing funding discussions. He believes that there is sufficient interest on both sides to reach an agreement.
For now, Kiley remains a constant presence in his office, symbolizing the need for a functioning House of Representatives amidst the shutdown. “We should have a functioning House of Representatives,” he concluded, echoing the urgency to reinstate normalcy in governmental operations.
