WASHINGTON, D.C. – North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer says Republicans remain “100% unified” on the issues revolving around the stalemate over the government shutdown, and expects the ice to thaw with more Democrats next week.
But on The Flag’s What’s On Your Mind?’, Cramer did express concern about the shutdown fallout, which is into its third week, and the impact on essential services if it drags on.
“What I do worry about is that there are some pretty important functions that could get into some trouble,” said Cramer.
“Air traffic controllers aren’t getting paid right now, and yet they’re keeping the system going.”
Cramer also addressed the major sticking point in shutdown negotiations revolving around Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Listen: Senator Cramer on the state of the government shutdown negotiations
Democrats continue to demand an extension of subsidies, which expire at the end of the year, as a stipulation to agreeing to end the shutdown.
On Wednesday, North Dakota’s Insurance Commissioner warned that state residents could see “significant health insurance premium increases” if the extension isn’t granted.
On the extension, Cramer says Republicans “are ready to negotiate…but we’ll do that as soon as the government reopens.”
Cramer also called the subsidy extension a “windfall” for health insurance companies.
Cramer claims people earning 700% above the federal poverty level, which are those who make $225,000 a year, can qualify for the Obamacare subsidy if enrolled.
And, for example, Cramer says people who earn $95,000 a year see their premiums paid for completely.
Cramer also claimed 12-million people , or around half of those on Obamacare, have never made a claim.
As far as what else could be blocking progress, Senator John Hoeven recently told The Flag’s Scott Hennen that Democrats are waiting for the second ‘No Kings’ protest to take place on October 18th before taking any action on the shutdown.
“There is some truth to that,” said Cramer, who said Democrats are afraid of “crazy, left-wing nutjobs” possibly rioting if the government reopened before the nationwide protest.
