Virginia lawmakers weigh in on differences, possible solutions after government shutdown

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — U.S. lawmakers from both parties are speaking out after failing to avoid a government shutdown.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, Democrats and Republicans could not agree on certain conditions. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) explained why both sides couldn’t agree to a resolution.

“President Trump asked the House Republicans to put together a ‘short-term deal,’ not a deal with Democrats, and they did,” Kaine said.

Republican Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) also shared his reasons why a deal wasn’t done.

“There's nothing complicated with this concurrent resolution, it's simple and straightforward. It simply funds our government,” Wittman said. “Put a few additional dollars in there for security for members of Congress, members of the executive branch and judicial branch. 

One of the provisions both parties couldn’t agree on is the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. The measure, passed during the Biden administration in 2021, helps people afford healthcare insurance. Kaine said it’s something they can’t afford to lose.

“If you're going to extend the tax cuts for the super well-off, extend the tax, extend the premium, support for people who aren't well-off to afford health insurance,” Kaine said.

Wittman agreed, and said compromise must be met on both sides.

“There are reasonable minds that see what we need to address with these tax credits,” Wittman said. “There needs to be some reform there. But we also understand how this is a way to make sure that health insurance is affordable for working families.”

ACA tax credits expire at the end of 2024. 8News asked Kaine and Wittman if fighting for the health care credits is worth prolonging the shutdown.

“We want to talk about it,” Wittman said. “It's a complex issue. You're not going to be able to get it done in a short period of time. Those tax credits do not expire until the end of the year. We have lots of time to get this right.”

Kaine said even a short-term deal would suffice.

“I do not need a complete fix of that to agree to a 45-day extension,” Kaine said. “What I do need is the agreement of my Republican colleagues saying, ‘Yes, we have to fix this. Let's work in good faith over the next 45 days to find a solution.’”

A short-term resolution would keep the government open through Nov. 21.