House Republican on mass firings: 'We have a bloated government'

Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) argued the mass firing of federal workers during the government shutdown could make sense, arguing Thursday that the United Staes has “a bloated government.” 

Flood argued that it “makes sense” to have “some cuts,” but until he sees the detailed plan, it will be hard to know how it will affect the country and his home state. 

“Well, you know, I‘m looking at it from my district‘s perspective. You know, I have a lot of airmen over at the Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Command, Combatant Command in Bellevue, Nebraska," Flood said during his Thursday evening appearance on CNN’s “The Lead.”

"They‘re obviously in national defense. So I‘m not worried as much about them. But food inspectors are going to stay on the job. There‘s going to be some cuts. And by the way, we have a bloated government. It makes sense to make some cuts. But until I see the exact plan, it‘s going to be hard to say how it will affect America or Nebraska,” Flood said.  

The Trump administration is planning to cut thousands of federal workers and freeze federal grants during the federal shutdown. 

“It’s likely going to be in the thousands. It’s a very good question, and that’s something that the Office of Management and Budget and the entire team at the White House here again, is unfortunately having to work on today,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said to reporters on Thursday. 

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought has paused funding for subway and tunnel infrastructure projects in New York City. He has also announced plans to cancel $8 billion in funding for energy projects in 16 Democratic-leaning states.

Flood praised Vought as being “very good” and blamed Democrats for the funding lapse. 

“I’m the chair of the Main Street Caucus. We have had regular conversation with him. They are being very strategic. They were looking at what are the essential services that government must provide and protect property and health and all of that, and what they can get away with maybe permanently riffing,” the Nebraska Republican said on CNN. 

“And so, this should come as a surprise to no one that we‘re in this situation. And again, it‘s entirely preventable,” he added. “All they have to do is extend the budget they‘ve already supported in the Senate.”