Congress is once again playing with fire, and this time it’s the Democrats holding the match. In today’s episode, I’m sounding the alarm about a looming government shutdown that could hit at midnight on September 30th. History tells us shutdowns backfire on the party that demands partisan add-ons to must-pass funding bills, yet Democrats are betting they can use that same failed strategy and escape the blame. I’ll walk you through the shutdown showdowns of the past decade, explain what’s different—and more dangerous—about this moment, and lay out the real costs to workers, taxpayers, and the stability of our government. Most importantly, I’ll explain why keeping the government open isn’t just smart politics—it’s essential for protecting our government.
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Background Sources
Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes
CD188: Welcome to the 116th Congress
The House-passed Continuing Resolution
H.R.5371 – Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
Previous Shutdowns
“5 longest government shutdowns in U.S. history.” Carten Cordell. September 26, 2023. Government Executive.
Democrats Want a Shutdown This Time
“Sen. Chuck Schumer weighs in on potential government shutdown.” September 19, 2025. 13WMAZ on YouTube.
“Surprisingly, Democrats—not Republicans—will be calling for a shutdown this year.” Wendell Primus and Molly E. Reynolds. September 18, 2025. Brookings.
“9.16.25 Press Conference.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. September 16, 2025. Facebook Live.
Pay for Federal Workers and Contractors
“Guidance for Shutdown Furloughs.” January 2024. U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
“Potential Government Shutdown – What Every Federal Contractor Needs to Know.” Guy Brenner et al. September 27, 2023. Proskauer.
31 U.S. Code § 1341 – Limitations on expending and obligating amounts
Presidential Powers Under a Shutdown
“Government Shutdowns and Executive Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ),” [R47693]. Clinton T. Brass et al. September 2, 2025. Congressional Research Service.
“Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources,” [R41759] Justin Murray and Carol Wilson. December 20, 2024. Congressional Research Service.
“Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects,” [RL34680] Clinton T. Brass et al. Updated December 10, 2018. Congressional Research Service.
“Funding Gaps Jeopardize Federal Government Operations,” [PAD-81-31]. March 3, 1981. U.S. General Accounting Office.
- Civiletti opinions can be found in Appendices IV and VIII
Russell Vought
“Russell Vought: One Of The Most Dangerous People in America.” Mark Mansour. May 27, 2025. America’s Fractured Politics on Substack.
“Tucker Carlson and Russ Vought Break Down DOGE and All of Trump’s Cabinet Picks So Far.” Russell Vought and Tucker Carlson. November 18, 2024. Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) on YouTube.
“‘Put Them in Trauma’: Inside a Key MAGA Leader’s Plans for a New Trump Agenda.” Molly Redden et al. October 28, 2024. ProPublica and Documented.
“Executive Office of the President of the United States.” Russell Vought. Project 2025’s Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise. eds. Paul Dans and Steven Groves. 2023: The Heritage Foundation.
Trump’s Comments on a Shutdown
“Trump Says There ‘Very Well’ Could Be a Government Shutdown.” September 19, 2025. Bloomberg Television on YouTube.
Music
Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito
