Richard Neal

It’s a critical moment on Capitol Hill as the war in Iran intensifies and a partial government shutdown divides Democrats and Republicans. Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal has weathered situations like this in the past but expressed concerns about the current moment.

"There's no exit ramp that has been stated," Neal said. "It's the constant sense of confusion that surrounds the attack, this notion that everything's going well, and then there are hourly changes based upon what has previously been said. So we're no closer, I think, to understanding the American objective here."

The war with Iran is entering its third week and during that time, Neal said Congress has largely been sidelined.

"I am stunned by what's happened to the role of Congress," he said. "I think that for Congress to surrender its constitutional authority only encourages the executive branch of government to usurp more and more of congressional authority."

Beyond Iran, Neal is also concerned about the ongoing partial government shutdown, which is centered on funding for the Department of Homeland Security and Democrats’ demands that reforms be made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"There's a difference between border security and what ICE has been doing," he said. "I think restraint and reform should be the prevailing mode."

But that fight has created stress in other areas. Transportation Security Administration workers are going without pay and long lines have materialized at airports as a result.

"I think that the TSA employees have done yeoman and yeowoman work. They should be paid, there's no doubt about it, I've actually signed on to legislation that would allow them to be paid while we continue to debate this outcome," Neal said.

While he addresses those challenges, Neal also has an eye on the 2026 midterms and his hopes to secure another term in Congress.

"I think it's fair to say I'll be the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee again, that's why," he said.

Tune in to NBC10 Boston on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for our extended @Issue Sit Down interview with Neal.