Senator Kaine Put Governing Ahead of Politics

Senator Tim Kaine did the right thing in voting to reopen the federal government.  Senator Kaine is a former mayor and governor, and he understands that there comes a point when politics has to end and you have to govern.

Politics is a means of getting the opportunity to govern.  It is hard to remember that in an age of the never-ending campaign.

The Senate Democrats were right in pressing their case for the extension of tax credits to avoid a drastic price increase in health care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Senator Kaine voted numerous times to make that point.  The point has been made.

Republicans in the House and Senate have attempted to kill the ACA numerous times and failed, and they have offered no alternative.  The extension of the tax credits was not going to be approved by a Republican controlled Congress and Executive branch.

You can make a point or you can make a law.   The Senate Democrats made a point after a hard-fought battle.  They lost that battle, but can win the war; they need to add to their ranks in the 2026 election.

I am a liberal in the mold of Robert Kennedy and George McGovern.  I know that the Democrats are supported by people who need SNAP benefits to put food on their tables. I see those people in our community.  Many of them voted for President Trump, but the President did not support them by denying them food during this shutdown.

Food should never be used as a weapon of war, including political warfare.

People were hurting, and air travel was disrupted.  The battle was over.  Move on.  Senator Kaine did the right thing and should be praised, not criticized.

Tom Howarth
Warren County, VA

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