Episode Details

The federal government shut down today after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a stop-gap spending measure. Senate Democrats blocked a procedural vote to reconsider a bill that would have temporarily reopened the government. The lapse in funding affects millions of federal workers as the debate over government spending continues.

Vice President JD Vance, in a surprise appearance at the White House briefing today, called on moderate Democrats to join Republicans in voting to keep the government open. He also said he doesn’t believe the shutdown will last long. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security says its operations will continue despite the funding lapse.

The Supreme Court today deferred the Trump administration’s request to overturn an injunction blocking President Trump’s effort to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Cook will remain in office until at least January 2026.