The Daily Punch Fly Out Day: Majority Whip Emmer opens up about Epstein probe, shutdown aftermath and more
Nov 13, 2025
Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip from Minnesota, discusses the fallout of the recent government shutdown, emphasizing its negative impact on Americans and small businesses. He offers insights into the Epstein documents probe, defending Republican oversight strategies while critiquing Democrats. Scott Wong, a national political reporter for NBC News, joins to analyze key takeaways, including the potential implications of health care debates for the 2026 elections and the evolving political landscape of the House.
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ACA Created Market Problems, He Says
- Emmer blames the Affordable Care Act for making insurance unaffordable and says temporary COVID credits masked the problem.
- He argues extending those credits only partially offsets rising premiums and Republicans must propose structural fixes.
Whip: Help Members Sell Solutions
- As whip, Emmer says he won't dictate policy to members but will help sell workable solutions.
- He invites compromise ideas like gradual weaning off enhanced credits to gain member support.
Economy Will Drive 2026 Outcomes
- Emmer frames the midterms as centered on the economy and claims Republicans have the argument on inflation.
- He credits recent tax and regulatory actions as early steps that should improve costs into next year.