Read the following interview with Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican Congressman from Colorado, which was aired on CBS on November 26, 2023.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Our next segment features Republican Congressman Ken Buck, representing Colorado, who recently announced his retirement from Congress. Good morning, Congressman. We know you have several pressing matters to address before your retirement. Congress has a packed schedule including reauthorizing the FAA, finalizing the defense bill, and addressing President Biden’s supplemental requests. Do you think you will be able to accomplish all of these tasks in the time you have left?
REP. KEN BUCK: Yes, we have a substantial three-week period ahead of us, possibly more, and we are confident that we can complete these important tasks.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s talk about Ukraine. As a member of the Freedom Caucus, you have positioned yourself to the right of your party, but you support aid for Ukraine despite potential controversy within the party. Do you believe this aid can pass without being attached to other bills?
REP. BUCK: It is crucial to provide aid to Ukraine. President Biden has been slow in providing the military equipment they require. We need to ensure they have the best support in their fight against Russia. The key question is about funding. Expecting the Democrats to help find ways to pay for the aid is a fair request. The Israel aid has been sitting idle in the Senate without decisive action. We need to work together to fund these critical aids for Israel and Ukraine.
MARGARET BRENNAN: You voted against a recent short-term spending bill to keep the government open. Are we going to see more dissent from the right in the coming days, under Speaker Johnson, in his stewardship with the Democrats?
REP. BUCK: I believe Speaker Johnson should not be held accountable for challenges that transpired under McCarthy’s leadership. He’s handling these issues in the right manner. I anticipate that he will receive support as he seeks to address national spending and our enormous debt in a responsible way.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is Speaker Johnson equipped to take charge and address these pending tasks within the next three weeks?
REP. BUCK: Absolutely. The Israel aid is contingent on 87,000 new IRS agents. While the Senate may not favor this, it is essential to remember that not providing aid to Israel would reflect poorly on the Democrats. We need to find responsible ways to fund the critical needs of Israel and Ukraine.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We have witnessed a significant number of retirements among Congress members recently. You said that “too many Republican leaders are lying to America.” Could you elaborate on that statement?
REP. BUCK: My remarks allude to everyone insisting the election was stolen or downplaying the events of January 6. To offer genuine policy solutions, the Republican Party must move past these falsehoods and establish credibility with the American public.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Although Speaker Johnson and you, Congressman, supported efforts to challenge the election results, how do you reconcile this position with your stance on transparency and honesty?
REP. BUCK: While I stand by my support, I believe all Republicans should be clearer in acknowledging that Joe Biden poses a genuine threat to our country. It’s crucial that we have leaders who are honest and transparent, and we should aim to defeat him with these principles in mind.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We appreciate your insights, Congressman, especially during this post-Thanksgiving holiday. Now, let’s transition to some breaking news out of Gaza. It has been reported that the Red Cross has taken custody of four-year-old American Abigail Edan, and Israel will release 39 Palestinians in exchange. We will be right back after this brief message.
