Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Clash with GOP Over Shutdown in CNN Town Hall

Progressives Stand Firm on Health Care Demands

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used a 90-minute CNN town hall Wednesday night to reiterate their stance that Democrats will not agree to reopen the government without a long-term extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The event, moderated by Kaitlan Collins in Washington, D.C., underscored how deeply divided Congress remains over ending the shutdown.

Ocasio-Cortez criticized Republicans for prioritizing “inane and silly” issues instead of addressing the shutdown, while the White House’s rapid response account dismissed her and Sanders as “not serious people.” Both lawmakers warned that the U.S. health care system could “collapse” if Republicans refuse to compromise. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

AOC, Sanders Dismiss Trump’s Promises

Ocasio-Cortez made clear she will only support a deal if it includes signed legislation extending ACA subsidies. “I don’t accept IOUs. I don’t accept pinky promises. That’s not the business that I’m in,” she said.

Sanders mocked President Donald Trump’s assurances, saying, “Oh yeah, no doubt, because the president is a very honest man.”

Ocasio-Cortez rejected the idea of a short-term extension as political maneuvering to delay the financial hit of rising insurance premiums. “What we will not accept is allowing the teetering of this system to collapse right before everyone’s eyes,” she said.

Republican leaders, however, have shown little interest in addressing ACA subsidies before November 21, and the White House issued an automated reply blaming “staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown” for delayed responses to media inquiries. Michael Karas-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Human Cost of the Shutdown

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez faced tough questions from federal employees affected by the shutdown. A worker supporting four children asked how to feed his family, while another woman said her housing was at risk due to a frozen government loan.

Ocasio-Cortez expressed empathy but maintained that Democrats’ strategy aims for a lasting fix: “We have to make sure this is as swift and as short as possible.” She added, “My hope is that we’re ready to resolve this as quickly as possible.” Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Speculation About a Schumer Challenge

Republicans have floated the idea that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is taking a hard line to fend off a potential 2028 primary challenge from Ocasio-Cortez. She dismissed the claim as “such an insane suggestion” and said it reflected GOP desperation.

“They are grasping for straws,” she said. “They’re trying to make this about political tabloids and political intrigue.”

When asked directly if Schumer should worry, Sanders interjected: “Let’s talk about income inequality, homelessness, climate change. She’ll decide that.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

Lawmakers Slam Johnson for Skipping Session

Both lawmakers blasted House Speaker Mike Johnson for keeping the House out of session during the crisis. “I’ve never seen people who hate working so much in my life,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

Some Democrats argue Johnson’s absence prevents negotiations on a solution and accuse him of avoiding a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files. Republicans deny that claim, saying they already passed a funding bill and see no reason to reconvene.

“Republicans aren’t in town,” Sanders said. “How do you negotiate with people who refuse to even show up and do their job?” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images

On Working with Marjorie Taylor Greene

Asked whether she could collaborate with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on health care, Ocasio-Cortez laughed and replied, “On what?”

She added, “I think people can talk a good game, but until they actually support policy that helps people … I’m not particularly interested.”

Still, she left the door open for bipartisanship: “If she actually wants to support legislation, and expanding health care, I’ve worked with plenty of Republicans as well on health care.” Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sanders Rebukes Democratic Leadership

Sanders criticized Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for failing to endorse New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, calling him “a great candidate.” He directly addressed Jeffries: “Hakeem, you watching this?”

Ocasio-Cortez took a more diplomatic tone: “I believe in endorsing the nominee of a party after a primary has resolved itself,” she said, adding, “It’s never too late to do the right thing.” Josh Morgan-USA TODAY