One of my first (concurrent) playthrus I was under the impression that there might be some limit to the long rests because of the tadpole, so I basically did all of act 1 on like 1 maybe 2 long rests. It was really fun to have to play so cautiously and really eke out every advantage I could, but then was really disappointed when I realized almost all the companion stuff happens one at a time during long rests, and power long rested like 20 times in a row.
I think Ken Buck, being a political insider, also probably knew that the media would run with that quote; and that the paranoia it would inspire would fuck with the republicans in the house who made him want to leave in the first place.
If the house republican leadership also starts exerting pressure to stay on those it perceives as weak links; it may drive some of them out, partially as a result of this statement.
Edit: spelling