The government shutdown and the path to reopening it took center stage Monday at the University of Louisville’s McConnell Center, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell hosted West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito for a discussion on leadership and bipartisanship.
Together, the senators stressed that cooperation is the only way forward in a divided Congress.
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“Compromise is imperative,” McConnell said, emphasizing that listening must come first.
“We speak much more forcefully when we listen. First, which is really important in Congress these days.”
He pushed back on hardline rhetoric.
“There are a lot of people running around these days saying, 'Hey, don’t ever compromise, absolutely not. You have to compromise," McConnell said.
Capito, appearing as part of the McConnell Center’s Distinguished Speaker Series, underscored the Senate’s 60-vote reality and the need to build coalitions.
“The only way we get that difference is if we join together. Because it has to be 60 votes,” she said.
She called for more inclusive leadership.
“We need to have a variety of listening people and voices in leadership," Capito said.
As the shutdown stretches into its fourth week, Capito called reopening the government the only acceptable outcome.
“There’s no other end except reopening the government,” she said, calling the impasse “a total disservice” to people directly affected.
McConnell praised Capito’s bipartisan approach and echoed her call to end the stalemate.
Speaking to students, Capito encouraged civic engagement and public service.
“If you’re interested in public service or running for public office, there’s no better way than to get involved in a campaign,” she said.
Both senators expressed optimism that Congress can reach a deal, while warning that sustained cooperation will be essential to prevent another funding crisis.