Government shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, speaks during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on February 14, 2024.

On the Brink of a Government Shutdown—Again On the Brink of a Government Shutdown—Again

For the fourth time since January, Congress is facing a deadline to fund essential spending priorities. The House GOP has neither shame nor sense of responsibility.

Feb 28, 2024 / Chris Lehmann

Kevin McCarthy speaking to two reporters in the Capitol.

The Perils of My Kevin The Perils of My Kevin

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy averted a government shutdown with massive help from Democrats. Will he save his job the same way?

Oct 2, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz exits a GOP caucus meeting about the federal budget.

What’s at Stake in the MAGA Shutdown Threats What’s at Stake in the MAGA Shutdown Threats

The immediate specter of a shutdown has abated, but the GOP’s appetite for destruction remains intact.

Oct 2, 2023 / Max B. Sawicky

The US Capitol against a blue sky with yellow Caution tape in the foreground.

You Made Your Bed, My Kevin. Now Toss and Turn in It. You Made Your Bed, My Kevin. Now Toss and Turn in It.

McCarthy’s desperation to keep the House speakership is driving the country toward shutdown. And he isn’t doing too well himself.

Sep 29, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, talks to reporters on his way to a House Republican caucus meeting at the US Capitol on September 19, 2023, in Washington, DC. Gaetz opposes a deal between factions of House Republicans to pass a stopgap spending bill and avoid a government shutdown, which will be tested Tuesday with a procedural vote.

The Government Shutdown Is a Cartoonishly Bad—but Still Terrifying—Sequel The Government Shutdown Is a Cartoonishly Bad—but Still Terrifying—Sequel

The latest congressional villains are the GOP’s hard-right nihilists, but their motives for sabotaging the government make no sense.

Sep 19, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

Will Corporate Democrats Derail Biden’s Agenda? Will Corporate Democrats Derail Biden’s Agenda?

This week, Americans may get a sobering insight into how corrupted our politics have become.

Sep 28, 2021 / Katrina vanden Heuvel

Trump discusses immigration proposals

Yes, We Can Stop Trump’s Fake National Emergency Yes, We Can Stop Trump’s Fake National Emergency

Three ways to stop the scam to steal the money to build the wall.

Feb 15, 2019 / Elie Mystal

Government Shutdown

Pledge: Let’s Make February 16 National Stayaway Day Pledge: Let’s Make February 16 National Stayaway Day

If the shutdown resumes, we urge federal workers to stay away from work and their allies to occupy airports on 2/16.

Feb 7, 2019 / Sarita Gupta and Erica Smiley

Shutdown Workers

Trump’s Record-Breaking Shutdown Was Possible Only Because America Doesn’t Protect Working People Trump’s Record-Breaking Shutdown Was Possible Only Because America Doesn’t Protect Working People

In other countries, locking out hundreds of thousands of public servants would lead to strikes. But not here.

Feb 6, 2019 / Joshua Holland

TSA Workers During Shutdown

The Shutdown Taught Us About the Dignity of Work The Shutdown Taught Us About the Dignity of Work

An unanticipated civics lesson, courtesy of President Trump.

Jan 29, 2019 / Harry C. Boyte

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