In this week’s episode, Miles and Dr. Rob break down the accelerating fallout from Republican health care policy, from massive staffing cuts at the VA that threaten care for veterans to congressional dysfunction that all but guarantees steep ACA premium hikes in the new year. They unpack how gutting a functioning public system and refusing to extend subsidies puts veterans, rural hospitals, and working families squarely in the crosshairs.

Then, Dr. Rob and Miles are joined by special guest Jeff Timmer, former Michigan Republican Party Executive Director and Lincoln Project’s Chief Operating Officer, who offers an unfiltered look inside GOP decision-making. Timmer explains why Republicans remain paralyzed on health care, how Trump continues to distort incentives, and why rising insurance costs could finally fracture the MAGA coalition. It’s a blunt assessment of a party stuck in self-inflicted crisis, and what it means heading into 2026.

Background reading:

The Washington Post: VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs

Federal News Network: VA says it’s ended most collective bargaining agreements

The Guardian: ‘Severe’ staff shortages at US veterans’ hospitals, watchdog finds

CNN: Here’s what’s in the House GOP health care bill

The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act

Reuters: US House passes Republican healthcare bill without ACA subsidy renewal

POLITICO: ‘Absolute bulls--t’: Endangered House Republican blasts leaders over impending Obamacare lapse

POLITICO: Despite a possible agreement on ACA subsidies, abortion lurks as a hurdle

The Guardian: Obamacare expiration will have ‘death spiral’ effect on US healthcare – experts

The Lincoln Project

A Republic, If You Can Keep It podcast with Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer

Join the fight at committeetoprotect.org.

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