(NewsNation) — Legislative leaders should be forced to stay in Washington and reach an agreement before allowing the federal government to shut down, retired West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin says.
“If I was a dictator, and I had an office — let’s say, the Roosevelt Room in the White House — I’d bring them over there. I’d lock them in there. I’d feed them breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a cot for them to sleep in, because they’re not leaving until they fix it,” Manchin told political commentator Bill O’Reilly during Wednesday’s NewsNation Town Hall.
Manchin was known as a moderate senator who could work both sides of the aisle during his time in the Senate. The former West Virginia governor was a Democrat but switched to being an independent in 2024 before leaving office.
He blamed the obstinacy of lawmakers for the ongoing government shutdown but added the culture in Washington doesn’t foster cooperation between the two parties. For one thing, legislators don’t spend enough time in Washington getting to know their colleagues, he said.
“Nobody knows anybody. It’s hard to say ‘no’ to your friend,” Manchin said.
Republicans who control Congress have refused to discuss restoring health care subsidies before Democrats help reopen the government. Manchin agreed that health care costs are a major concern for the electorate. He said reaching a deal should be “the easiest lift I’ve ever seen.”