Government shutdown could lead to $14B in lost GDP, CBO reports

The ongoing federal shutdown could cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, according to a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The report, prepared in response to a request from House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), estimated the economic impact of the shutdown if it lasts four weeks — a […]

House employees get help ahead of first missed paycheck of shutdown

All employees of the House of Representatives were issued templates for letters Wednesday they can present to creditors before Friday, when they’re expected to miss their first paychecks — short of a sudden breakthrough in negotiations to end the government shutdown. “Employees affected by the government shutdown may face temporary hardship in meeting their financial […]

Capitol agenda: Thune says shutdown talks are picking up

Nearly one month into the government shutdown, the vibes might finally be shifting. A looming cliff of crucial deadlines, plus fresh outside pressure, is adding new urgency into bipartisan conversations that have been sputtering for weeks. “I think they’ve picked up,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told POLITICO about the rank-and-file bipartisan talks. “Deadlines have […]

Meet the Senate aide with a $44,000 taxpayer-funded commute

The top aide to Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas charged $44,000 to taxpayers over the past two years in commuting expenses between Washington and Lynchburg, Virginia, where he lives, according to public records. The reimbursements paid to Brent Robertson are legal and comply with congressional rules governing expense reimbursements, according to experts who reviewed his […]

Senate votes against Trump’s 50 percent tariff on Brazil

The Senate once again rebuked President Donald Trump on tariffs, a vote that comes as the president is in Asia touting tariffs and notching progress on trade agreements. Senators on Tuesday voted 52-48 to terminate the national emergency Trump declared in order to impose 50 percent tariffs on most Brazilian goods in July. Five Republican […]

Judge extends order barring mass firings of federal workers during shutdown

A federal judge has indefinitely extended her order banning the Trump administration from mass firing federal employees during the government shutdown. Following a hearing Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston granted a preliminary injunction blocking reductions in force — better known as RIFs — at most major government agencies. Barring further action by a higher […]

Troops will get their paychecks this week, Vance says

Vice President JD Vance said military members will continue receiving their pay amid the government shutdown, suggesting to reporters Tuesday that President Donald Trump has identified new funding to avoid a first-ever lapse in troop pay. “We believe that we can continue to pay the troops on Friday,” he said after addressing a closed-door Senate […]

Trump nominee for Kuwait ambassador falters

At least three Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will oppose President Donald Trump’s pick for ambassador to Kuwait, Amer Ghalib — all but dooming his nomination inside the panel and likely on the chamber floor, as well. It would be the second time this month that a Trump nominee has been tanked by […]