**Interview with Senator Katie Britt on “Face the Nation” – October 19, 2025**
*Margaret Brennan interviews Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama on key issues including the government shutdown, healthcare, IVF access, and foreign policy.*
—
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** We turn now to Republican Senator Katie Britt, who joins us from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Welcome to *Face the Nation*, Senator.
**SEN. KATIE BRITT:** Thank you so much for having me, Margaret. I appreciate it and look forward to being here.
—
### Government Shutdown and Obamacare Tax Credits
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** I want to talk about a lot of things. Let me just pick up where Senator Kelly left off on the shutdown. He said you all could hash this out this week, and Leader Thune made that offer. I know you have expressed concern that insurance premiums might go up whether Congress extends the tax credits related to Obamacare—something Democrats are campaigning for—or not. Do you personally want the tax credits extended?
**SEN. BRITT:** First off, Margaret, we need to reopen the government. Democrats need to come to the table and do the right thing. Over the weekend traveling through Alabama, I heard countless stories of people not getting paychecks—our men and women in uniform, veterans, and many others. Programs like WIC are being impacted because Democrats are playing politics instead of doing what’s right for the American people.
Opening the government is the number one priority. We need to vote on the continuing resolution (CR) to get the government back up and running. We’ve also offered alternatives, such as the *Shutdown Fairness Act*, which ensures that those working during a shutdown still get paid. These shutdowns have real consequences.
Regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Leader Thune said it best — we’ve always been willing to have a conversation. We believe you can walk and chew gum at the same time. For some reason, Democrats don’t think that’s possible. They need to reopen the government, and then we’re happy to talk about the broken system they created and help fix their own mess.
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** But do you personally think the federal government should help offset some of these healthcare costs? Without the tax credit, about 130,000 Alabamans are at risk of losing insurance.
**SEN. BRITT:** Let’s be honest about this and go back to Obamacare’s origins in 2010. This was the Affordable Care Act, which even the *Washington Post* acknowledged was never truly affordable. Then in 2014, Democrats increased costs, and the further increases we’re discussing for 2026 only account for about 4% of overall hike, according to insurers.
The underlying problem is that Obamacare is broken. Regarding the 2021 premiums handed out, Democrats are even asking us to continue premiums that benefit millionaires in some cases. We must be responsible with taxpayer dollars.
It’s ridiculous to claim we’re worried about people affording healthcare while denying them their paychecks. Those two things don’t add up. Democrats need to be honest and work toward reopening the government. We’re always open to constructive talks, as Leader Thune reiterated this week.
—
### IVF Access and Fertility Treatments
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** You recently met with President Trump in the Oval Office to discuss another healthcare issue — frozen embryos. You explained to him the February 2024 Alabama court decision that ruled frozen embryos are children. He called that a “bad decision,” remembering how it affected families seeking fertilization treatment. With new changes announced, who will be able to afford IVF now?
**SEN. BRITT:** Millions more people will be able to afford IVF because of President Trump’s leadership. From the first time I spoke with him about this, he has been steadfast and unwavering in understanding the struggles families face.
Infertility impacts about one in eight families in the U.S., with roughly 9% of men and 11% of women affected. President Trump is committed to supporting hardworking Americans and families, and he has transformed the Republican Party to reflect that commitment.
This new approach will make fertility treatments accessible to millions more, while driving costs down. I recently spoke with a friend who had to go overseas for treatment because of cost barriers—she was thrilled about the change. Grandparents, moms, and dads have told me this is a game changer for growing their families.
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** One cycle of IVF can cost between $15,000 and $20,000, which poses a significant challenge for lower-income women. During the campaign, President Trump said he would make the government or insurance companies pay for it. Do you think the Affordable Care Act should cover IVF, or is it too controversial for conservatives who have moral objections?
**SEN. BRITT:** The Affordable Care Act is broken, as we’re seeing with premium increases slated for 2026—80% of those hikes come from Obamacare-related costs. The structure is unsustainable and isn’t working for the American people. No one is paying less now that Obamacare is in place.
We have to be honest and responsible moving forward. President Trump’s initiatives are making fertility treatments more accessible to millions, and he continues leading on this and other important issues.
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** It’s still not free though, right?
**SEN. BRITT:** That’s right, but what we want is for as many people as possible to have the opportunity to bring life into this world. This is just the beginning.
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** Do you want to legislate to require this coverage?
**SEN. BRITT:** We’re focused on expanding access and supporting families as they grow. Right now, people face challenges with childcare costs and overall affordability.
I’m proud to see President Trump leading on these issues. For instance, the Working Families Tax Cut has increased childcare tax credits for the first time in decades—some credits hadn’t changed in 20 to 40 years. We want to make starting and growing families more affordable. This is only a start, and we look forward to continuing to work for the American people.
—
### Russia, Ukraine, and State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** Quickly, you have been pushing to label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism for stealing Ukrainian children. Does President Trump’s decision to meet with Vladimir Putin endanger your efforts to get this bill passed?
**SEN. BRITT:** I’m grateful for President Trump’s efforts. Remember, this war started because of President Biden. If President Biden had sent the necessary weapons to Ukraine early on, we might not be in this war.
President Trump has actually met with Ukrainian President Zelensky more times in his nine months in office than President Biden did during his entire term. These conversations are important for seeking resolution.
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** Do you have support to bring this legislation to the floor?
**SEN. BRITT:** Yes. The First Lady has been leading this cause, and we’ve built up support. There is a hearing next week, and I believe if the conflict continues with no resolution, the bill will come to the floor.
This is about bringing home approximately 20,000 children who have been stolen from their homes. It’s something everyone should support, and Vladimir Putin should pay the price for these actions.
—
**MARGARET BRENNAN:** Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, thank you for your time this morning.
*Face the Nation* will be back after a short break. Stay with us.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/katie-britt-alabama-republican-face-the-nation-10-19-2025/