On this “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:
Kevin Hassett, White Home Nationwide Financial Council director
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat
Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat
New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican
Click on right here to browse full transcripts from 2025 of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
MARGARET BRENNAN: I’m Margaret Brennan in Washington.
And this week on Face the Nation: the longest authorities shutdown in historical past, and no finish in sight. With every passing day, the affect of the federal government shutdown grows, with thousands and thousands of Individuals now going through main disruptions, from mass flight cancellations and delays due to staffing shortages to rising strains at meals banks, because the Supreme Court docket lets the Trump administration withhold some cash to fund meals stamp advantages.
Frustration is mounting, and the blame sport is on.
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GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO (D-Pennsylvania): Once I see hungry folks in my state who’re hungry due to J.D. Vance’s bull (EXPLETIVE DELETED) politics, that makes me indignant.
SENATOR JOHN THUNE (R-South Dakota): Isn’t that what you all have been saying? It’s about leverage? This isn’t leverage. That is the lives of the American folks.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: We are going to discuss with Maryland’s Democratic Governor Wes Moore and West Virginia’s Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey about how they might fill the funding hole as security web applications hold in limbo.
The president’s prime financial adviser, Kevin Hassett, may even be part of us. We are going to ask him what sort of affect this shutdown is having on our economic system.
Plus:
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DONALD TRUMP (President of america): The entire collection of pricing and prices, the groceries and every thing else, it was a con job. It was a con job. Affordability, they name it. It was a con job by the Democrats.
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MARGARET BRENNAN: The place the president sees a con job, Democrats see a successful message in final week’s elections. We are going to hear from two incoming governors, Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey.
It’s all simply forward on Face the Nation.
Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.
The Senate is in session at present, a uncommon weekend workday for lawmakers, however there’s nonetheless no deal to reopen the federal government.
We start this morning with the director of the White Home Nationwide Financial Council, Kevin Hassett.
That is now the longest shutdown in American historical past. The treasury secretary instructed us two weeks in the past November 15 was the laborious cease for any paychecks going to U.S. troops. Does that stay the purpose of exhaustion?
KEVIN HASSETT (Director, Nationwide Financial Council): Proper. I believe that that’s about the proper quantity.
And the issue is that, beneath the legislation, we’re not allowed to spend cash that hasn’t been appropriated. And there’s a legislation, the Antideficiency Act, that claims that, if a authorities official spends cash that isn’t appropriated by Congress, which is able to solely occur if the Democrats vote to open up the federal government, then you would even have felony penalties.
And so persons are very rigorously learning the legislation and attempting to get as a lot cash out the door as is authorized. And we’re very glad that we discovered a approach to get lots of the SNAP cash out, however it’s actually, actually pushing the boundaries of the legislation, which is why the Supreme Court docket needed to take that ruling from Rhode Island and put it on maintain.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Till the decrease courtroom guidelines.
KEVIN HASSETT: Till the decrease courtroom goes again and comes up with a authorized justification for what they stated, as a result of there most likely isn’t one, sadly, which is why we’ve to get this authorities open.
I imply, the actual fact is, Goldman Sachs, they’ve a prime financial staff, they usually’re estimating that we’ve already knocked about 1.5 % off of GDP. I believe that quantity might be low if we maintain going even a pair extra weeks, as a result of there’s going to be an enormous quantity of air disruption, particularly across the holidays.
And considered one of these items – from time to time, once we’re speaking economics, you and I, we speak about seasonal changes and issues like that. However the reality is that Thanksgiving – that Thanksgiving time is among the hottest instances of the 12 months for the economic system. It’s Black Friday, you realize, and all that form of stuff.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
KEVIN HASSETT: And if folks aren’t touring at that second, then we actually might be taking a look at a damaging quarter for the fourth quarter.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Which is considerably disruptive to the president’s agenda.
However to the purpose you have been simply making about meals stamps – and we noticed this Friday, a short lived keep by the Supreme Court docket that might block full meals stamp advantages pending the decrease courtroom resolution. The administration’s argument, as you simply referenced there, was that it could be unlawful to maneuver round funding and to faucet the Part 32 account on the USDA.
However why not do that as a short-term patchwork resolution? As a result of you’ve got discovered methods with the navy pay to stretch issues out. Why prioritize in that case and never achieve this with meals?
KEVIN HASSETT: Nicely, the president’s job and all of our jobs is to uphold the legislation.
And when – I’m not a lawyer, however when the legal professionals inform us…
MARGARET BRENNAN: However, arguably…
KEVIN HASSETT: … what we will do…
MARGARET BRENNAN: … that wasn’t completed with the navy.
KEVIN HASSETT: However – however – however, sure, I believe that the navy is totally different due to the commander in chief stuff.
However the authorized evaluation means that we’re doing every thing by the e book after which stretching issues as a lot as we will, and principally attempting to maintain folks from committing crimes, which, you realize, you realize about – within the season of lawfare, in case you are a Cupboard secretary and also you spend cash that’s not appropriated for that goal in your Cupboard, then they will come again they usually can take you to courtroom.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you’re additionally making a political guess that Democrats aren’t going to problem paying the navy. Do you actually assume Democrats would problem and take to courtroom paying folks for his or her meals stamp advantages…
KEVIN HASSETT: Let’s simply say that we’ve seen Democrats take…
MARGARET BRENNAN: … if – if Congress goes to fund it, when the shutdown ends?
KEVIN HASSETT: We’ve seen Democrats take to courtroom folks that – on actually, actually poor, poor expenses, and so I believe they’re more likely to do something.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, it appears a political calculation is the purpose.
KEVIN HASSETT: Nicely, we – we don’t have a political calculation. Our calculation is to get the federal government open, to get the meals stamps to folks, and to get folks to be paid; 750,000 authorities employees aren’t getting paid proper now.
I do know you’re speaking to the governor of Maryland in a minute. I’m certain his persons are actually hurting. Let’s simply get the federal government open, after which let’s speak about issues just like the well being care premiums, however do this by way of common order.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely – so, it feels like you’re saying the place is identical, open the federal government, then we’ll speak about well being care.
However the president, simply previously 36 hours, has put out numerous social media posts. It sounds type of like he’s proposing one thing in regard to medical insurance funds. He stated: “I’m recommending to Senate Republicans that hundreds of billions of dollars currently being sent to money-sucking insurance companies to save bad health care provided by Obamacare now be sent to the people so they can purchase their own, much better health care.”
He additionally stated they need to terminate Obamacare. What does this different system seem like? As a result of all the standoff is about well being care proper now.
KEVIN HASSETT: Proper. Nicely, the president is, you realize, a gorgeous tactician, a gorgeous negotiator.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is a suggestion?
KEVIN HASSETT: And what he – that is – you realize, what he stated, he’s brainstorming and attempting to assist the Senate give you a deal that may get the federal government open.
And one of many issues you would do is, conservatives imagine that they don’t need the federal government to micromanage folks’s lives. And, you realize, everyone believes that folks ought to have well being care, and so why not take the individuals who have greater well being care premiums and simply mail them a examine and allow them to determine?
The explanation why it may have an impact is that there are a number of tiers beneath the Reasonably priced Care Act of several types of insurance coverage. And it might be that folks would relatively have the cash and go from, like, you realize, this type of plan to that form of plan and save themselves a little bit bit.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is that this the…
KEVIN HASSETT: And in order that’s – that’s, you realize, principally giving the folks a possibility to make extra selections than the federal government normally lets them.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is that this the Senator Cassidy proposal?
KEVIN HASSETT: I’m certain that Senator Cassidy and President Trump talked about it, however whether or not he agrees with every thing that Cassidy – I haven’t talked to him about it but.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, does the Republican chief within the Senate settle for…
KEVIN HASSETT: The president…
MARGARET BRENNAN: … this proposal?
KEVIN HASSETT: The president has – began this concept yesterday. I don’t assume that it’s been mentioned broadly within the Senate but.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So the president…
KEVIN HASSETT: It’s the weekend.
(LAUGHTER)
MARGARET BRENNAN: The Senate’s in session this weekend.
KEVIN HASSETT: Sure, the Senate is in session this weekend. And we’re…
MARGARET BRENNAN: As a result of they’re attempting to finish the shutdown.
KEVIN HASSETT: And right here I’m.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However this isn’t the Republican Occasion’s place?
KEVIN HASSETT: Present – as of proper now, it’s not the Senate place, however the president thought it was one thing they need to take into consideration.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, he appears to be negotiating earlier than the federal government’s open.
KEVIN HASSETT: He’s speaking to his colleagues within the Senate on the Republican facet.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However you’ll agree that there does should be a deal on well being care, that well being care prices are too excessive?
KEVIN HASSETT: Nicely, I believe that, if you happen to take a look at the Reasonably priced Care Act, these premiums weren’t made everlasting by the Democrats through the COVID emergency as a result of they have been anxious in regards to the budgetary prices.
And so if you happen to take a look at the premium will increase, they don’t have an effect on most individuals under two instances the poverty line, 3 times the poverty line. However there are lots of senior residents which are above, like, round 4 instances the poverty degree, which with a husband and spouse staff, could be about $120,000, which are seeing actually huge premium will increase.
And I believe that everyone’s going to wish to take into consideration what the following step for that might be, as a result of are seeing – once more, most individuals aren’t seeing a lot of a rise in any respect, however the most will increase you’re seeing might be as much as about $500 a month for seniors who’ve actually pricey plans.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The president has additionally been speaking about affordability.
And our CBS polling exhibits the president’s approval ranking on the economic system has dipped to 38 %, the bottom of this time period; 75 % of these polled say he’s not focusing sufficient on reducing costs.
However the president stated this week Democrats are making it up and – quote – “Every price is down.”
I’m certain you realize the Shopper Value Index confirmed grocery costs are up almost 3 % in September from a 12 months in the past.
KEVIN HASSETT: Nicely, however let’s undergo – let’s undergo the info.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you dispute that?
KEVIN HASSETT: Nicely, let – really, sure, let’s undergo the info, proper?
So, inflation went up about 5 % beneath President Biden. In President Trump’s first eight or 9 months, relying the place we get the final quantity, it’s up 2.7 %. One of many huge issues that’s hurting affordability is mortgages. The rate of interest went up by about 4 %.
MARGARET BRENNAN: That is grocery costs.
KEVIN HASSETT: No, grocery costs are literally down considerably beneath Trump. However right here’s the factor…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, it depends upon which merchandise.
KEVIN HASSETT: No, let me – I’ll simply make some extent, that if you happen to take a look at the true discount in spending energy for Individuals beneath Joe Biden, then it went down about $3,000, as a result of we had as much as 9 % inflation, after which they went to the grocery retailer, they couldn’t purchase the issues they’re used to purchasing.
The actual spending energy adjusted for inflation beneath President Trump has gone up about $1,200 to date this 12 months; $1,200 is just not $3,000. And so persons are proper to really feel stretched, however we’re making progress. And if you happen to take a look at all of the issues, the optimistic issues, in regards to the economic system, industrial manufacturing nearly at an all-time excessive, capital spending about at an all-time excessive…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
KEVIN HASSETT: … GDP development proper now about 4 %, then that exhibits that the revenue development that we have to get extra affordability is on the trail to occurring.
And the underside line is that the final Shopper Value Index stunned down. It was decrease than anticipated. And it was really – would have been even decrease, as a result of there was a refinery shutdown that precipitated it to go barely greater. So we see inflation beneath management and the economic system booming.
However we perceive one hundred pc why persons are nonetheless hurting, as a result of we haven’t made up all of the room that was misplaced beneath Joe Biden.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So are you comfy with 3 % inflation?
KEVIN HASSETT: I’m comfy with 2 % inflation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, no, you’re not comfortable the place issues are actually?
KEVIN HASSETT: I believe – nicely, they’ve to go down a little bit bit extra, however there – however the level is that inflation is just like the Queen Mary, my pal Alan Greenspan used to say.
So once you go from virtually 4 % that we had in January…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
KEVIN HASSETT: … right down to the mid 2’s, then that’s a trajectory that normally has momentum.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, the St. Louis Fed discovered tariffs account for half-a- proportion level of the annual inflation price. How a lot do you assume the tariffs are mountaineering costs?
KEVIN HASSETT: You understand, there’s a few papers on the market that say that costs went up by between two-tenths and five-tenths.
And the factor to recollect, if these papers are true, is that that’s a degree alter, as a result of the tariff goes in, after which the tariff is simply there, so it doesn’t have an effect on inflation sooner or later. So, it could be a one-time degree alter.
Our estimates at CEA are a lot nearer to zero, and it’s all primarily based on modeling and assumptions about elasticities and issues. However for probably the most half, the a method you possibly can see it’s, you would take a look at the value of imported items, and the value of imported items, CEA put a report out, has really been declining beneath tariffs, as a result of what occurs is that the Chinese language wish to promote us a lot of stuff.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
KEVIN HASSETT: And there’s a tariff, and they also reduce their costs in order that they will nonetheless have a bigger market share within the U.S.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Kevin Hassett, at all times good to have you ever right here in particular person.
KEVIN HASSETT: Nice to be right here, after all. Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We now have to depart it there for now.
We’ll be proper again in a minute. Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We’re joined now by the Democratic governor of Maryland, Wes Moore.
Good to have you ever right here in particular person.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE (D-Maryland): Nice to be with you. Thanks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, Governor, one in eight Individuals use meals stamps. In Maryland, you’ve got about 700,000 folks, as I perceive it, who depend on this for meals assist.
For the reason that Supreme Court docket put that keep in place on Friday, have you learnt whether or not that cash will really be accessible to residents in your state to purchase meals?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: We don’t know, and that’s why we’re not ready.
It’s why, simply previously few days, I’ve approved over $10 million that’s going in the direction of heating help for folks within the state of Maryland. Over $10 million has gone to our Maryland meals banks, that we’ve made public transportation free for all of our federal employees, as a result of they, in lots of circumstances, are going to work and never being paid.
And I’ve additionally approved $62 million to go in the direction of SNAP to guarantee that SNAP is just not going to be interrupted for the folks of Maryland for so long as we will, even supposing we’re ready for the president of america to lastly do his job.
We’re watching the president who’s actually breaking the legislation so folks can starve, however we’re not going to take a seat there and tolerate in our state.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, you simply heard Director Hassett say that they’re attempting to comply with the legislation, which is why they went to the courts.
The USDA did say they have been going to work in the direction of implementing full funds, after which there was this Supreme Court docket keep put in place. So, do you’ve got readability on when cash is perhaps coming by way of in any respect? Like, what’s the federal authorities telling you?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: There isn’t a readability – readability in any respect.
Up to now – previously six days, we’ve acquired 4 totally different measures of steering from the USDA and from the Trump administration about methods to deal with it, the place, initially, it was stated, nicely, hear, we would like the states to assist to assist, and even supposing this program was constructed as a partnership between the federal authorities and the states, the place the federal authorities have been actually serving to to underwrite these prices for folks.
After which as soon as we determined to step up and say, we’re going to guarantee that our persons are going to be OK, we’ve now…
MARGARET BRENNAN: You might be fronting the cash?
(CROSSTALK)
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: That we’re going to entrance the cash.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: We’ve now acquired steering saying the states are going to be punished for fronting the cash.
There’s a chaos, and it’s an intentional chaos, that we’re seeing from this administration, and the place they’ve cash for every thing. They bought cash to combat wars. They bought cash for ballrooms. They bought cash for every thing.
However in terms of supporting the American folks, that’s now when they’re crying, nicely, we’re broke, and that’s not what the legislation requires us to do.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As you realize, the White Home says these – these sponsorships for the ballroom are separate from authorities cash.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Sure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However on – on the problem, although, of the shutdown itself, on Friday, we did see the Democratic chief, Schumer, provide to finish it if Republicans comply with a one-year extension of the Obamacare well being care subsidies.
Republicans stated that’s a – that’s a nonstarter. That is going to make – this can be a huge challenge for the midterms. However would you – would you inform the Democrats on Capitol Hill to dig in, that the ache that the people who find themselves residing in your state is in some way going to be price it in the long run for an extension of a tax credit score?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: There isn’t a ache that’s price it. Our persons are hurting, they usually’re hurting due to these video games that we proceed to see from Washington, D.C.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However would you inform Democrats, simply take the vote, open the federal government, then maintain negotiating well being care?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I need the federal government reopened now. There isn’t a state that’s coping with extra of an affect from this than the state of Maryland.
We now have over 260,000 federal employees inside our state, that, even earlier than the shutdown, Donald Trump had fired over 15,000 Maryland employees, federal employees, greater than some other state on this nation.
However I additionally know that saying {that a} prerequisite for having the federal authorities open shouldn’t be kicking up premiums by 90 %, by kicking folks off of well being care. There’s a bar – there’s a – there’s a – there’s a barbaric nature to this ask and this request, significantly once we’re watching how the Trump – you realize, the Trump administration, they’ve the White Home, the Home and the Senate.
They will get this deal completed by simply merely making a telephone name, however they’re permitting this ache to exist.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However Democrats even have a promise from the Republican chief within the Senate that he’ll speak about well being care in the event that they reopen the federal government.
Why isn’t that adequate?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Why – why…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Would you inform your members of the Democratic Occasion to – – to alleviate the ache within the fast time period out of your state?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I might inform them that we have to be sure that reopening the federal government doesn’t imply kicking my folks off of well being care, that once we’re spending time proper now over in Western Maryland and Appalachia – and I’m proud to function the because the – as a co-chair of the Appalachian Regional – Regional Fee, the place we’re serving Appalachia, all all through not simply Maryland, however all through West Virginia, all through Tennessee and Pennsylvania.
And once we’re talking to our of us on the market who’re already watching their premiums leap, who’re already watching every thing change into costlier due to these insurance policies, I don’t assume that anyone, whether or not in Western Maryland or any a part of my state, would say, sure, it’s OK, if you happen to simply watch my well being care go away.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, well being care costs are going up even within the personal market for lots of various causes.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Completely.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However let me ask you about what’s occurring in Maryland.
That is gerrymandering. You’re looking at midterm redistricting in your state as nicely. Of eight districts, you solely have one Republican. Do you actually assume Maryland is drawn in an unfair method proper now?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I believe that the rationale that I ordered the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Fee is as a result of I wish to guarantee that we will have a bipartisan group having the ability to take a look at the maps within the state of Maryland. That is one thing that occurs each single…
MARGARET BRENNAN: You don’t assume these maps are truthful now?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: That is one thing that occurs each single decade. And if different states are going to have this course of and undergo this – undergo this journey of figuring out whether or not or not they’ve truthful maps in a mid-decade cycle, then so ought to Maryland.
I’m simply undecided why we ought to be taking part in by a special algorithm than Texas or than Florida or than Ohio or all these different locations.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Since you say these states are being unfair. So why undertake unfair insurance policies in your state?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: That is simply merely about ensuring that we will have truthful and consultant maps and we will undergo our course of.
It’s the rationale that I’ve – I put collectively this fee, the place my job is just not to attract the maps, that what we’ve simply merely stated is, I need this bipartisan fee to have the ability to really communicate with the folks and to have the ability to undergo their course of and simply merely say that, if different states are going to undergo this course of, that we’re not simply going to take a seat on our fingers as a result of Donald Trump tells us to, that that’s not the way in which this course of goes to work.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your State Senate president, Democrat Invoice Ferguson, says this might backfire.
He wrote: “I believe mid-cycle redistricting twist rules for potential short-term advantage while undermining trust in institutions and ultimately democracy. It’s too risky and jeopardizes your state’s ability to fight against the radical Trump administration.”
How do you ensure that it doesn’t backfire? Do you settle for a map that provides you extra Republican districts? You’re not going to try this.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: I believe preventing for democracy isn’t dangerous. I believe that’s our job as leaders and elected officers. And…
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, you’re not committing to going with the result of what this fee gives to you?
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: No, I believe the fee – what I need is for the fee to do their work and the fee to do their job. My job is just not to attract the maps.
And, frankly, it’s the state legislature’s job to determine to vote on it. That isn’t my duty. My job is to guarantee that I’m defending the democratic course of. And the Senate president and I, we agree on the disaster that Donald Trump has put us in.
He agrees on the truth that we’ve watched an administration that’s utilizing the Structure prefer it’s a suggestion field. However what I’m merely – and the place we – the place we differ is the urgency that this second requires, the combat that this second requires.
And I personally am somebody who is just not going to permit Donald Trump to find out whether or not or not Maryland follows this concept of claiming, are we going to do every thing we will to ensure we’re preserving our democracy?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Governor Moore, thanks in your time this morning.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE: Thanks a lot.
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we’ll be proper again with much more Face the Nation, so stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We flip now to the Democratic governor-elect of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger. She joins us this morning from Glen Allen, simply outdoors of Richmond.
Welcome to Face the Nation.
ABIGAIL SPANBERGER (D-Virginia) (Governor-Elect): Thanks a lot for having me.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, Virginia boasts one of many highest numbers of federal employees within the nation, and, as you realize, a lot of them will not be getting paid.
You understand, some in your get together take a look at your election on Tuesday and the win in New Jersey and say that’s permission to carry the road in Congress and refuse to fund the federal government or fold on the shutdown. Ought to congressional Democrats view your victory that method?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: Completely not.
Our victory was a victory that was primarily based on a marketing campaign that was addressing issues associated to prices and chaos. My marketing campaign throughout the previous two years had been centered on listening to the challenges that persons are going through all throughout Virginia.
It’s rising prices in well being care, housing, vitality, and it’s the chaos popping out of Washington that has been impacting Virginians so severely, starting with the DOGE efforts, after all, persevering with with chaotic commerce insurance policies, and now on this authorities shutdown.
Virginians have to and Virginians wish to see the federal government reopen. And my expectation is that we are going to see a Congress, a Senate, and in the end a president, driving us in that path.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However ought to congressional Democrats open the federal government after which speak about well being care?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: The federal government must open, and it must open instantly.
We’d like the president to display management, bringing folks collectively, endeavoring to get by way of no matter negotiations have to get by way of, whether or not it’s earlier than or after. My precedence is the – is specializing in the wants and the – the devastation, frankly…
MARGARET BRENNAN: Proper.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: … that greater than 300,000 Virginians are going through.
And that’s simply the federal workers, authorities contractors. They’ll by no means get made complete. The whole thing of Virginia’s economic system is impacted by the shutdown, simply as we’ve been impacted by DOGE assaults, and the federal government must reopen rapidly.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, and that’s why I’m asking, as a result of there are, what, 825,000 enrollees on meals assist within the SNAP program. They’re in limbo proper now.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: That’s proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You’ve got fast ache. So, at what level do you weigh that towards the potential of well being care premiums? I imply, this ache may be very actual and really acute for folks in your state proper now.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: And it’s been happening now for weeks, weeks too lengthy. The federal government must reopen as a result of, along with the ache that we’re already seeing federal workers and authorities contractors going through….
MARGARET BRENNAN: However eight Democrats may cross the aisle and achieve this.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: We completely want everybody to vote to open the federal government.
And that’s to not say that the challenges we’re going through inside our well being care system will not be additionally fast and acute. Even the passage of the One Massive Stunning Invoice can have catastrophic impacts on Virginia, taking $26 billion out of our well being care, resulting in the closure of a minimum of six rural hospitals.
We’ve already seen three rural clinics announce their closure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: A whole bunch of 1000’s will lose their Medicaid.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let me…
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: And so the impacts on well being care are already catastrophic.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to…
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: However we can’t compound that ache by retaining the federal government closed.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s take a break and end this on the opposite facet of it.
Please stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: And we might be proper again with much more Face the Nation.
Stick with us.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome again to “FACE THE NATION.”
We return to our dialog with Virginia Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger.
Governor-elect, synthetic intelligence has created a extremely huge demand for these information facilities. And Virginia has the world’s largest focus of them. Energy payments are up almost seven % in your state over the previous 12 months. Is that pushed by the A.I. increase? And, in that case, how do you offset these rising vitality prices?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER (D-VA): Nicely, what we’ve seen within the – within the analysis to date is that it’s not – the rise prices will not be pushed by the rise in information facilities. There’s, you realize, some unhealthy vitality insurance policies in a few of our neighboring states which have pushed up costs, significantly in southwest Virginia.
However trying in the direction of the long run, we’ve to be clear-eyed about the truth that we can have an vitality disaster headed into the long run. And so right here, on the bottom in Virginia, we presently have a price (ph) case the place it will likely be vital that large-scale vitality customers, significantly information facilities, that the general public know that they’re paying their justifiable share for the vitality that they’re utilizing. And we’ve to extend our vitality manufacturing right here at residence in order that we will meet the demand definitely of larger-scale vitality customers but in addition of elevated demand from our communities.
And it’s a actual problem that we’ve to get forward of. And that’s why among the many first affordability plans that I laid out was one centered on vitality. It’s a problem that’s pervasive throughout our communities, and significantly acute in southwest Virginia.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Only a few days in the past Cornell College reached a $60 million cope with the Trump administration so as to see their federal funding restored. That is the fifth such deal because the administration started this stress marketing campaign on universities.
I do know you went to College of Virginia, as did I, and have to be following that UVA reduce offers with the federal government, together with kicking out the president of the varsity. You referred to as that extortion. However now, as governor, are you going to should play ball with the Division of Schooling and the Justice Division so as to maintain federal authorities funding going?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: So, it ought to – it ought to shock everybody that universities, private and non-private, are receiving calls for from the federal authorities and that {dollars} – analysis {dollars} are being withheld, that our universities are beneath assault. And positively what we’ve seen within the case of the College of Virginia, of a well-liked, skilled, wonderful president, was pushed out. And on the bottom right here we didn’t see our governor, in any method, step up in protection of our college.
And the concept that the federal authorities could be withholding federal {dollars}, you realize, together with {dollars} already appropriated by Congress for analysis so as to compel universities to take sure actions, it’s absolute federal authorities overreach. And as governor, I might be clear- eyed about guaranteeing that we’ve buildings in place, together with boards of holiday makers throughout our universities, that wish to defend tutorial freedom and, frankly, the viability and vitality of extraordinary establishments, just like the College of Virginia.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to ask you about your get together. In 2020, when Democrats misplaced Home seats, you stated “we need to not ever use the word socialist or socialism ever again.” There are some who look to Tuesday’s win in New York Metropolis of a Democratic socialist and say that your get together’s really being rewarded for echoing progressive insurance policies. Does that victory create a branding drawback for Democrats?
GOVERNOR-ELECT ABIGAIL SPANBERGER: Nicely, definitely, you realize, I’m enthusiastic about what we did right here in Virginia on Tuesday in – I campaigned addressing – wanting to handle the problems of prices and stopping the chaos. I’m a capitalist. I’m a Democrat. And I received by 15 factors in Virginia. You look to New Jersey, and an analogous story in Mikie Sherrill’s win, now the governor- elect there.
And so I believe, you realize, definitely we’re an enormous tent get together, however once I take a look at what led to the success that we had right here and the – you realize, the mandate for actual governance right here within the Commonwealth of Virginia, it was primarily based on what I campaigned on, the efforts to actually handle the challenges that persons are going through in a day-to-day foundation. And – and now it’s on us to ship and show that basically actually the mandate that we’ve to work on reducing prices and strengthening our colleges and retaining our communities protected and creating regular management right here within the Commonwealth of Virginia significantly in mild of the chaos popping out of Washington, that not solely was it a successful message, however the successful path in the direction of governance.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thanks very a lot in your time this morning, Governor- elect Abigail Spanberger, the – who would be the first feminine governor ever of the state of Virginia.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: On Friday, we spoke with one of many different huge Democratic winners final Tuesday, New Jersey’s Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, who’s presently a member of Congress, and requested whether or not given her new position because the chief govt of a state laborious hit by the shutdown she would assist the Democratic Occasion place of blocking authorities funding till Obamacare subsidies are prolonged.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL (D-NJ): Nicely, it’s actually vital that we sustain that combat as a result of we see out there prices going up by 175 % if the Republicans don’t handle this well being care disaster. We all know that there have already been big cuts within the one huge, stunning invoice to folks’s entry to well being care.
And, you realize, once we take a look at this disaster, a lot of it’s actually imposed by Donald Trump. So, there’s cash for him to place in the direction of SNAP funding that he’s refusing to do, despite the fact that courts are demanding it. Now he’s form of sluggish strolling it, making it very troublesome for states to try this illegally. And courts are holding him accountable.
We see with air visitors management issues, a few of it is because the administration hasn’t moved rapidly sufficient at Newark in a few of the issues we had over the summer time. So, we’re already down by 25 %. Now, with this disaster happening, as a result of the president refuses to open up the federal government, we’re seeing one other 10 % in flights being derailed, and we see continued late and delayed flights.
So, it’s time that the federal government – that the Trump administration, that Republicans within the Home and the Senate get critical about opening up authorities.
MARGARET BRENNAN: After we take a look at our current polling, a majority of Individuals are actually involved that this shutdown goes to harm the general economic system. How are you going to justify the injury?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Nicely, it actually is hurting the economic system. And you’ll’t justify the injury, which is why the president and the Senate and Republican majority within the Home have to get this authorities open. And so they want to take action in a method that’s going to cease punishing the American folks.
I believe what we noticed with this election is the American folks want – you realize, are actually demanding that our federal authorities function in a method that’s going to cease punishing them economically. I’ll let you know, I ran on affordability, on the truth that I’m going to combat in Trenton to ensure we’re reducing by way of purple tape and allowing to drive down prices. But in addition that I’m going to proceed to combat that – for Washington to handle issues just like the tariff program, which is elevating prices on every thing from a cup of espresso to groceries, to combat the one huge stunning invoice, which is constant to lift prices on schooling, innovation, housing, well being care, to proceed to combat this authorities shutdown in order that we will actually handle well being care wants right here within the state.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You retain saying it’s as much as the president to reopen the federal government, however you withheld your individual vote on that persevering with decision, that short-term funding invoice. And over within the Senate, Chief Thune is tearing into Democrats for that call. He stated, “it shows you’re not caring that there are men and women in uniform frequenting food banks because of the shutdown, not making represent payments, trying to borrow.” He stated Dems view this as leverage. And he used that phrase as a result of it was your Home management, Katherine Clark, justified withholding votes to finish the shutdown, saying, that’s one of many few elements of leverage that Democrats have.
How do you reply to this accusation that it’s really Democrats who’re being heartless right here?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Nicely, when you’ve got the Republicans which have the presidency, they’ve the bulk within the Senate, they’ve the bulk within the Home, they’ve even – many would day, together with myself, taken over the courtroom system, then they’ve a duty to open up this authorities. And I’ve to let you know, as a veteran myself, I understand how devastating that’s.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, it was – it was with Clark who stated these votes are leverage.
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Leverage to serve the American folks. I imply we see time and again these Republican assaults on every thing from well being care – look, in the event that they don’t fund the Reasonably priced Care Act, prices are going to go up by 175 % for folks right here in New Jersey at already excessive ranges. That’s going to kick so many individuals off well being care. That’s on prime of the large Medicare cuts that we’re seeing within the one huge stunning invoice, on prime of the tariff cuts which are elevating grocery costs all over the place, on prime of the combat he’s in, which is elevating fuel costs.
So, time and again, we’re seeing the Trump administration punishing folks. And these Republicans have gotten to return to the desk they usually’ve bought to begin actually working for the American folks. And this election confirmed that.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However once you have been speaking in regards to the extension of the well being care subsidies, why isn’t the promise to carry a vote on these well being care subsidies sufficient for Democrats to vote to reopen the federal government?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: So, we’re working laborious to handle the issues for the American folks. And Republicans time and again are refusing to handle that. So, proper now that is a part of how we get the federal government open. And they need to do it proper now.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, the – Chief Thune stated he’ll maintain a vote.
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: I believe we’ve seen what the guarantees that Republicans have made have been price. What he must do is definitely put the subsidies in. We are able to serve the American folks. We are able to drive down well being care prices. And that’s actually key.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s discuss a bit about your election. As you stated, the economic system was entrance and middle for you. Vitality costs specifically you centered in on. In New Jersey, they’re up 19 % over the previous 12 months versus six % nationwide. I do know you wish to declare a state of emergency day one, however what does it really imply? How rapidly will costs come down?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: So, the state of emergency will freeze price hikes as a result of there are some price hikes which are set to return into play within the subsequent a number of months. And I, you realize, I’m not going to permit these to be placed on the again of the New Jersey price pair. And we see that the can has been kicked down the street by too many individuals.
So, the utility corporations have already come to the desk so say, OK, let’s negotiate these price hikes. We now have cash that is available in by way of the BP (ph) view (ph) to defray the prices. However what’s actually going to additionally occur may be very rapidly I’m turning to including lots of energy to our grid. Proper now, PJM, that’s our regional grid operator, has actually screwed up the marketplace for numerous causes and so each electron we produce in New Jersey will defray the prices of electrical energy we’ve to purchase available on the market. So, that’s why instantly I’m going to chop by way of purple tape and allowing delays to get photo voltaic completed. We’re going to proceed to construct out battery storage. After which, within the first finances, we are going to broaden modernization of our pure fuel amenities and, in the long run, nuclear.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You stated on CNN this previous week that “there’s a feeling working people have not been heard” and that “there’s too much caution and mediocrity in the Democratic Party today.” What did you imply by that?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: That as I used to be speaking to folks throughout this state, 1000’s of individuals, they wished to see an agenda to get their prices down. And one thing that was going to happen rapidly. As I stated, you realize, I’m not writing a strongly worded letter, I’m not doing a ten-year plan, I’m on day one declaring a state of emergency. Not simply because I’m livid that, you realize, as too many individuals have failed New Jersey price payers, that prices are being dumped on them. Sure, that could be a big drawback for me that I’m addressing. But it surely additionally, I believe, conveys that sense of urgency that I really feel to work for the folks of New Jersey in order that they know that this can be a day one challenge for me.
In addition they wish to see someone, although, that has their backs as a result of they know that these tariffs are elevating prices. They know that the one huge, stunning invoice goes to remove their well being care. They know {that a} tax on the Gateway Tunnel venture are going to lift prices right here and actually reduce into job alternatives. So, they wish to know that whoever is governing goes to be centered on governing for them, not a celebration of 1 like Donald Trump.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, your criticism there was of fellow Democrats, as I understood it. However let me ask you about Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi. She simply introduced that she goes to be leaving Congress. Once I spoke to her final on this program, she indicated that she is aware of it’s an issue recruiting new candidates, partly due to the atmosphere we’re in, together with simply how nasty our politics are and the safety threats. And she or he stated that’s discouraging specifically girls who worry the affect on youngsters.
What do you say to these contemplating for workplace proper now? Are you seeing that, that feminine candidates are petrified of doing what you simply did?
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: Nicely, we labored very laborious right here in New Jersey to actually construct out a future and an concept that’s going to deliver everyone in and actually working laborious to maintain folks protected. Public security is a large in some way for me and for folks throughout the state as we double down on our constitutional protections, freedom of speech, freedom of meeting, et cetera. However it’s a scary time.
I keep in mind, proper after I received my major, the assassinations in Minnesota occurred. And right here I’ve 4 youngsters and I’m all of the sudden considering, oh my gosh, am I placing them in danger by operating?
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR-ELECT MIKIE SHERRILL: However, you realize, what I believe most of us are weighing is, as mothers, if we’re candidates is, what’s my youngsters’ future seem like if I don’t run? And that’s on stability, I believe, persons are selecting to run. I see girls throughout our state operating. We now have, you realize, folks newly moving into races and likewise a few of the nice highly effective girls in our state persevering with to serve. So, I don’t assume it’s dissuading them. But it surely definitely is on our minds as we’re excited about, how are we going to maintain our households protected as we’re operating for elected workplace.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, Congresswoman, we’ll be watching as you transition into being the following governor of New Jersey.
Thanks in your time at present.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: We go now to the Republican governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrisey, who joins us from Charleston.
Good morning to you, sir.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY (R-WV): Hey, good morning, Margaret. Good to be with you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your state has one of many highest poverty charges within the nation, almost 16 % of residents depend on meals stamps, that SNAP program we’ve been speaking about. Actually, the very first meals stamp pilot program started in West Virginia again within the Nineteen Sixties.
Given the present shutdown and the way rural your state is, I ponder, can you get assist to those that want it proper now?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Completely. Look, nice query. I do wish to begin out, to start with, thanking you for having me on this system.
One piece of data popping out of West Virginia, we’ve had a mining accident, and we’ve groups down on the lookout for a lacking miner. I simply wish to say, that our hearts and prayers exit to the household of that miner. We’re doing every thing we will to find that particular person.
Now, in terms of the federal government shutdown, we’re doing every thing we will to assist these in want. On the very starting, I began standing up for the federal employees, and we introduced that to handle a few of the issues with meals, we have been going to ship vital {dollars} to the meals banks by tomorrow. That might be as much as $13 million. I’ve activated the Nationwide Guard. And we’re doing issues to guarantee that nobody in West Virginia goes hungry.
Our persons are hurting proper now, and I’m doing every thing I can to resolve the issues whereas Washington bickers. However I do wish to be clear, this shutdown may come to an finish instantly. It’s as much as Chuck Schumer or simply having six extra Democrats step throughout the road.
There’s been a clear CR on the desk accessible for a while. Folks ought to benefit from that and let’s get the federal government reopened after which we will go in regards to the enterprise of fixing the various different issues going through our nation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure. I’m sorry to listen to in regards to the mining accident.
However on the problem of meals stamps, Governor Moore of Maryland stated that he had been instructed the state could be punished primarily for fronting the cash. Is that the message the federal authorities additionally gave to you, West Virginia received’t get these {dollars} again?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: No. Nicely, to start with, I wish to emphasize, the Trump administration has been an excellent companion to work with all through the previous 12 months when it comes to the financial progress that we’re making right here in West Virginia.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Positive.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: But in addition we’ve reached out – I used to be the primary particular person to achieve out to the federal authorities. So we had our nationwide parks reopened.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: And now we’re working, by activating the Guard, and placing sources on the meals banks. We’re really making a distinction to maintain folks from getting hungry.
So, we’ve been in very shut contact with the Trump administration. And so they’ve been very cooperative.
Look, I believe they know, and everybody’s pissed off, that you simply’re six votes quick. These Democrats are saying no to reopening the federal government. It’s a Schumer shutdown. I believe President Trump is bending over backwards to be useful, and I’m excited in regards to the issues he’s doing when it comes to how he’s dealing with this and the broader financial points at giant.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Nicely, there’s the combat within the courts particularly about offering full meals assist. The Trump administration initiated that. I wish to play one thing for you as a result of 70 % of West Virginians voted for President Trump within the final election.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Proper.
MARGARET BRENNAN: However right here’s how he described the meals stamp program.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, (President of america): Largely, once you speak about SNAP, you’re speaking about largely Democrats. However I’m president. I wish to assist everyone. I wish to assist Democrats and Republicans. However once you’re speaking about SNAP, if you happen to look, it’s largely Democrats. They’re hurting their very own folks.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MARGARET BRENNAN: Have you ever made the White Home conscious of the ache from the meals SNAP – the meals program disruptions particularly?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Sure. So, we’ve been working carefully with the White Home. And I believe they know. They’ve been very supportive of lots of the efforts that we’re taking to guarantee that folks don’t get hungry. That’s the last word purpose. We now have to ensure we’re defending our folks.
Margaret, you’re proper, we’ve 270,000 plus folks on SNAP. However, as soon as once more, there’s one cause why they’re not getting the sources. It’s as a result of persons are insisting so as to add all these new items on prime of only a invoice (ph) to maintain the federal government open. That’s the priority we’ve.
However we’ve been getting actually good response from the Trump administration throughout the board.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Whether or not we’re speaking in regards to the meals points, whether or not we’re speaking about our vitality jobs and even only recently the conversations we’re having about President Trump’s rural well being transformation invoice to place sources upfront to avoid wasting public expenditures on the again finish.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to ask you about that.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: That’s the form of good working relationship we’ve had.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I wish to ask you about that as a result of I do know West Virginia has one of many highest charges within the nation for presidency insurance coverage. There’s concern about rural hospitals. There may be this rural well being transformation program Congress arrange. Your state may get $100 million a 12 months for 5 years, however your West Virginia Hospital Affiliation says that your hospitals are going to lose greater than $1 billion per 12 months due to this newest huge, stunning invoice Republicans handed. How do you make up that form of shortfall?
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Nicely, I believe what President Trump and RFK and Dr. Oz are attempting to do is frequent sense. For those who subscribe to the adage, an oz of prevention is price a pound of remedy, what they’re attempting to do is make investments the only largest amount of cash in bettering rural well being. And in West Virginia, which means every thing as a result of we’re a really rural state.
So, the sources can go to put money into our folks, to put money into our hospitals, our suppliers, and the know-how that really may transfer the needle when it comes to bettering well being care outcomes upfront.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Sure.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: Attacking weight problems and COPD and substance use dysfunction.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: So, we’re actually enthusiastic about that as a result of if we apply the sources the proper method, I don’t assume we’re going to have the diminution of public expenditures on the again finish.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK.
GOVERNOR PATRICK MORRISEY: That is the common sense method we’re seeing from the Trump administration that we’re not seeing from Schumer and the Democrats in Congress.
MARGARET BRENNAN: OK. All proper.
Governor, we’ve to depart it there. We’re out of time. Thanks.
We’ll be proper again.
(ANNOUNCEMENTS)
MARGARET BRENNAN: America Marine Corps will mark its 250th birthday tomorrow. And Veterans Day is Tuesday.
For a lot of veterans, the tip of their navy service is just not the tip of their public service. Greater than 700,000 veterans work as civilians within the federal authorities. And because of the shutdown, most are furloughed or have been working with out pay for weeks.
In contrast to veterans, active-duty service members have been getting paid through the shutdown, however even that lifeline will expire Saturday. And a few context, many navy households already wrestle with a rising quantity pressured to hunt help from meals pantries over the previous couple of years amid excessive costs and mounting financial stress.
That’s it for us at present. Thanks for watching.
Face The Nation TranscriptsMore
Full transcript of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Nov. 9, 2025
Transcript: Kevin Hassett, Nationwide Financial Council director, on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Nov. 9, 2025
Transcript: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Nov. 9, 2025
Transcript: West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Nov. 9, 2025
Transcript: Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Nov. 9, 2025
