Wisconsin Congressman reveals what the government shutdown is actually about

Oct 15, 2025: “Complete baloney.” US Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Black Earth) wants Wisconsinites to know that the recurring Republican claim that Democrats are holding out on the federal budget because they want undocumented immigrants to receive health benefits is “manure.” What Democrats really want? Tax credits that provide subsidies for most people who buy health insurance on the federal marketplace—making health insurance more affordable. Pocan says people in Wisconsin and all over the country will find out in the next couple of weeks what insurance premium hikes will look like as they buy their health insurance through the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Pocan says with premiums going up and losing subsidies, “a couple, 60 years old, making $85,000 in my district could see somewhere between a $16,000 and $17,000 increase next year in their premiums.” Pocan hosted town halls throughout Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District this week—that’s not his own district—since Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Prairie du Chien), who represents the 3rd, hasn’t been doing them. Pocan says he wants to give people a voice, let them know what’s happening, and answer questions. ✏️ 🎥 Salina Heller