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A tense confrontation erupted on Capitol Hill between Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and fellow New Yorker, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, amid the government shutdown.
On Wednesday (October 8), Lawler confronted Jeffries outside of a press conference, urging him to support a bipartisan measure to temporarily extend ACA premium subsidies for a year. The two parties have clashed over a bill to fund the government as Democrats push for permanent healthcare protections to be included in the measure.
“You’re embarrassing yourself," Jeffries told Lawler.
As the exchange grew heated, Jeffries accused Lawler of interrupting him, telling the Republican lawmaker, “Just keep your mouth shut.”
“Is that the way to talk?” Lawler shot back.
During the clash, Jeffries questioned whether Lawler was "chasing clout" by confronting him.
“Are you trying to elevate yourself because you’re afraid you’re about to lose reelection?” the Democrat asked, to which Lawler replied, “No, I’m not going to lose reelection.”
Lawler also pressed Jeffries on why he hasn’t endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayoral race.
Video of the heated exchange went viral on social media.
Lawler responded to a video of the confrontation, saying, "Shutting down the government is cowardice to radicals in the Democratic Party, like AOC and the Squad. @RepJeffries has once again chosen partisanship over governance… It’s disgraceful, and it’s hurting families across the country.”
As Congressional negotiations continue, Senate Democrats are refusing to pass House-backed funding measures that lack a permanent ACA subsidy extension. The prolonged government shutdown threatens the pay of federal workers and military personnel and could significantly impact health care costs for millions of Americans.
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