Vitter: Shutdown to Defend Staffers’ Health-Care Subsidies Would Be ‘Completely Indefensible’

Senator David Vitter (R., La.) and Representative Ron DeSantis (R., Fla.) argued today that it was crucial any continuing resolution include an amendment that ended health-care subsidies for congressional staffers.

“I think they’re on completely indefensible ground,” Vitter told reporters in reference to what would occur if Democrats rejected a CR with his amendment. 

If a shutdown occurs, he added, “because Democrats won’t accept treating Washington like it treats America, I think that’s a message it’s important for all Americans to hear.”

DeSantis said that a provision that banned “special treatment for Congress” would be “a very tough thing to vote against” for Democrats.