Two weeks into the government shutdown, no progress is being made by either side, and President Trump appears to be taking pleasure in the situation. He asserts that the shutdown is effectively closing down Democratic programs that he and his party oppose, claiming that these programs are being terminated and that they will not return in the future. He goes on to say that his administration is protecting ‘Republican programs,’ suggesting that this is a deliberate strategy to undermine Democratic initiatives. However, the impact on the lives of those who have been fired is clear, with many federal workers taking to the streets to voice their frustration.
At the Office of Management and Budget, a group of fired federal workers, egged on by Democrats in Virginia and Maryland, chanted ‘Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame!’ as they protested the situation. Among those affected is Christopher Pumford, who was recently let go from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Pumford, who had invested a significant amount of time and money into becoming a specialist in international relations, now finds himself struggling to find work in a difficult economy. He expressed his disappointment, saying that he had hoped to continue serving the American people but now faces the reality of being out of work.
Similarly, Jessica Weinberg, who was recently let go from the FDA, shares her family’s financial distress. Her 6-year-old son has become aware of their economic issues and has taken it upon himself to try to help by printing 3D Minecraft Legos to sell, not for personal gain, but to assist with their mortgage payments. This act of support is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, illustrating the personal impact of the shutdown on American families.
As the shutdown enters its third week, the situation is not improving. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has stated that there is nothing to negotiate, indicating that the GOP is doubling down on its stance. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to recall the House, maintaining that no legislative action will occur until Senate Democrats agree to fund the government without additional conditions. This has resulted in the House only convening for brief pro forma sessions, conducting minimal business before adjourning. Democrats have criticized the GOP for their inaction, with Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., stating that the Republicans need to return to work.
During the 2013 government shutdown, Congress managed to conduct some business, including hearings on Obamacare and veterans’ issues, as well as passing and revisiting spending proposals. However, this current shutdown has seen little legislative activity, with the House only handling some tasks behind the scenes, such as the attorneys for the House Oversight Committee handling the Epstein estate files. Despite these behind-the-scenes efforts, the overall legislative pace remains stalled.
Meanwhile, the issue of swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., has become a point of contention. Grijalva, the daughter of the late Rep. Raul Grijalva, won her special election more than three weeks ago but has not yet been sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson has stated that his refusal to swear her in is not related to the Epstein files and that she deserves the ‘pomp and circumstance’ of a full House session. However, Democrats argue that this refusal is part of the larger political maneuvering related to the shutdown and the Epstein files. This issue highlights the broader political dynamics at play, with accusations of hypocrisy and political gamesmanship.
As the situation continues to stagnate, political figures like Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have expressed frustration, noting that both sides believe they have a political advantage in maintaining their current positions. Without a clear incentive to change, the shutdown is likely to continue, with no resolution in sight. The ongoing stalemate has significant financial implications, affecting not only the federal government but also the lives of federal workers and their families. The lack of progress underscores the deepening political divide and the potential long-term effects on the nation’s economy and public trust in government operations.