6:04Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is featured on ABC News’ “This Week” on Nov. 2, 2025.ABC News
With the detrimental effects of the month-long government closure increasing, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine stated Sunday that he doesn’t view the current funding predicament through a political lens, emphasizing that Democrats are "dedicated to the American populace."
When questioned by ABC's "This Week" co-host Martha Raddatz regarding any gains Democrats may have achieved since the shutdown commenced, Kaine responded, "I don’t consider this a political matter."
"I mean, the president instructed the House to draft a budget, specifically avoiding negotiations with Democrats. Conversely, Senate Democrats presented an alternative plan 12 days prior to Sept. 30, aiming to rectify the health care disruptions caused by Republicans and ensure the upholding of an agreement, both by Congress and the White House. The president declined to engage in discussions until the day before the deadline," Kaine added. "The man lacks seriousness."
Raddatz persisted, pressing Kaine: "Leaving aside political considerations, what advantages have Democrats secured during this period? Furthermore, what is the potential duration of this situation?"
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is featured on ABC News’ “This Week” on Nov. 2, 2025.ABC News
"I serve as a United States senator," Kaine explained. "And I — yes, I campaign as a Democrat, and identify as one, but that is not how I approach my duties. Consequently, in response to your question about Democratic gains, our primary focus remains on the American populace. We urge President Trump to cease personnel dismissals and the cancellation of economic initiatives. Our aim is for them to cease escalating costs for everyone."
Kaine expressed Democrats’ desire for Trump to "simply engage" and negotiate a "budgetary arrangement that guides us toward a health care solution."
As the shutdown continues, neither faction has significantly altered their initial positions. Democrats maintain their emphasis on health care priorities, notably an extension of expiring tax benefits for a multitude of Americans who acquire health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Republicans and the White House consistently assert that the sole feasible path involves the enactment of the temporary funding measure, intended to finance the government until Nov. 21, which has been defeated 13 times in the Senate.
Americans are now comprehending the potential magnitude of increases in their health care premiums for the upcoming year should these tax credits lapse. However, the repercussions of the shutdown are becoming increasingly evident: an increasing number of air traffic controllers are taking sick leave, resulting in delays and ground stoppages, and the crucial SNAP food assistance program is presently uncertain following a judge’s ruling that the administration must sustain funding for the program, despite the administration’s claims of legal inability to do so.
Additional key points from Kaine's interview are presented below:
Kaine challenges GOP assertions that Democrats are endeavoring to provide health care to "undocumented immigrants"
Raddatz: I realize you heard Secretary [Sean] Duffy [who appeared earlier on the show] suggesting that the onus rests on the Democrats and that your efforts are directed at securing unlawful health care for immigrants.
Kaine: That is false. The health care debate revolves around issues other than health care provision for undocumented immigrants, a fact Sean Duffy is aware of. It concerns millions of Americans who, in recent weeks, have received notifications of premium hikes, indicating that Donald Trump’s touted bill will subject them to exorbitant health insurance costs in the near future unless we can identify a resolution.
Regarding reports of bipartisan senators convening to resolve the shutdown
Raddatz: It is reported that there are ongoing discussions among senators to facilitate the reopening of the government for a limited time. Are such discussions currently underway, and are you participating?
Kaine: I would characterize my involvement as peripheral, Martha. There is a cohort of individuals deliberating on these two matters: a strategy to rectify the health care problem and an assurance, which I term a cessation of disruptive actions, that upon the resumption of government operations, President Trump will discontinue dismissals.
Concerning the FAA, specifically air traffic control, they compelled 2,400 individuals to leave the FAA during Trump’s initial year, despite a pre-existing shortage of 3,000 air traffic controllers. Cease the dismissals, end the manipulative tactics, discontinue targeting Democratic-leaning cities while favoring Republican-leaning cities. Let us observe a cessation of disruptive actions during this interval. Embark on a path to resolve the health care issues faced by individuals. Should the president engage constructively, I anticipate we can achieve an agreement swiftly.
Regarding Virginia Democrats’ prospects in Tuesday’s gubernatorial election
Kaine: I am exceptionally optimistic, Martha, for the following reason. Virginia exemplifies the most successful transition from Republican to Democratic control in the nation over the past 25 years. Our approach involves prioritizing the economy. Abigail Spanberger, our candidate, centers her campaign on three pillars: affordability, employment prospects, and education, encompassing both children and our workforce. Her opponent is airing advertisements focusing on unconventional cultural matters that lack significance for the majority. In Virginia, Democrats maintain a focus on the economy, effectively advocating for economic policies, and yielding economic outcomes. This explains the remarkable shift from Republican to Democratic dominance in the state since 2000.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
