Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) confronted House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) during a tense exchange over government shutdown negotiations, accusing Democrats of undermining bipartisan efforts. The confrontation unfolded as Lawler pressed Jeffries on why Democrats had supported a “one big ugly bill” and refused to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Lawler challenged Jeffries, asking, “Why did you vote to shut the government down?” He criticized Democratic leadership for prioritizing “billionaire donors” over working-class Americans, citing a $4,000 tax cut for New Yorkers as part of a broader agenda. Jeffries countered that Republicans had voted for a bill containing “waste, fraud, and abuse,” referencing $1.2 billion in alleged misallocated funds.

The exchange grew increasingly combative, with Lawler accusing Jeffries of hypocrisy, noting that Democrats had previously championed keeping the government open. He also questioned Jeffries’ focus on “Zohran Muad’dami,” a local political figure, and criticized his stance on healthcare policy. Jeffries defended his position, arguing that Republicans needed to support a one-year ACA extension to prevent rising premiums.

The debate highlighted deepening partisan divides as Congress grapples with funding deadlines and competing priorities.