Rep. Mike Lawler Challenges Hakeem Jeffries on ACA Extension Amid Government Shutdown Threats

A 5-minute video captures a tense October 8, 2025, House hallway confrontation where Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) presses Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to support HR 5145, a bipartisan bill extending Affordable Care Act subsidies for one year. Lawler argues the bill's passage is feasible with 215 Democrats and 11 Republicans, totaling 226 votes, and accuses Jeffries of being "mathematically challenged" for not backing it. Jeffries counters by questioning Republican loyalty to Trump and past shutdown votes. The exchange highlights escalating partisan tensions over government funding, with Lawler's office blaming Democrats for the shutdown risk. Media outlets like The Hill and Fox News frame this as a critical moment in funding negotiations, while social media responses predominantly praise Lawler's stance against perceived Democratic obstruction.