(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) In a fiery exchange on Fox News’s Sunday Morning Futures, host Maria Bartiromo and Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., clashed over the government funding bills and the best way to proceed.
The debate ultimately led to Bartiromo acknowledging that Gaetz had influenced her thinking on the matter, marking a potential blow to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
“@RepMattGaetz made a very good argument,” Bartiromo admitted on Sept. 25. “And my thinking is evolving. I was happy to have him on.”
The central point of contention in the debate was Gaetz’s strong opposition to McCarthy’s approach to government funding bills. Gaetz, a staunch conservative, argued for a vote on single-issue legislation, asserting that each bill should be debated and voted on separately.
You are right. @RepMattGaetz made a very good argument. And my thinking is evolving. I was happy to have him on. https://t.co/RQu6y9pNQ6
— Maria Bartiromo (@MariaBartiromo) September 25, 2023
During the tense ten-minute exchange, Gaetz explained his stance, saying, “The only way to do this, Maria, is line by line. Kevin [McCarthy] wants it in one big, up-or-down vote; keep the government open, shut it down.”
Bartiromo, known for her witty political commentary, countered Gaetz’s argument by pointing out that bills were already in progress.
“The bills are being worked on; you just heard [Ohio Republican Rep.] Jim Jordan say that they are effecting four bills this week, appropriations bills this week, to get through that would partially fund the government, the Defense bill as well,” Bartiromo said. “You wanted the Defense bill to move forward, did you not?”
Gaetz did not hold back in response. “Yes, that’s why I voted for it, and I voted for the rule to proceed on to it,” Gaetz added. “Any by the way, don’t give Kevin McCarthy credit for the fact that we’re moving on to these four appropriations bills. That was the deal that House conservatives foisted upon Kevin McCarthy when he couldn’t just move the big spending bills without moving the bills that cut spending.”
The debate continued with Bartiromo highlighting that McCarthy had plans to address the four bills this week. Gaetz, however, asserted, “Because we’re making him do it!”
The Fox host expressed concern that the blockade could thwart GOP progress. “So to push now, to blow up all of the wins that you all have had now,” Bartiromo responded. “Which wins? Please enumerate them,” Gaetz pushed back.
When confronted with our argument on government spending, most smart and open-minded people will convert.
Welcome aboard, @MariaBartiromo.
Thank you for having me on your program. Tough questions and direct answers will lead us to the truth faster than sophistry.
The Plan:
•… https://t.co/XC14a6gBc5 pic.twitter.com/RrkuDOQfBA
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) September 25, 2023
