Government shutdowns
Coverage of Government shutdowns in the Nexus archive.
- SENS JAMES LANKFORD, MAGGIE HASSAN: Congress should suffer shutdown pain, not the American people
Senators James Lankford and Maggie Hassan propose the 'Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026' to eliminate shutdowns by automatically enacting a Continuing Resolution if Congress fails to pass funding bills. The act would require Congress to remain in session until budget negotiations conclude, ensuring federal workers and programs remain funded.
- Senate votes to freeze members’ pay during future shutdowns
The U.S. Senate approved a resolution to freeze members' pay during government shutdowns starting after this year's midterm elections. The measure, led by Sen. John Kennedy, requires the Senate secretary to hold paychecks if Congress fails to fund federal agencies on time, aiming to reduce future shutdowns.
- Senators voted themselves a pay cut during shutdowns. The House isn’t on board.
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution to withhold lawmakers' pay during government shutdowns beginning after the 2026 midterm elections. The House of Representatives is not included in the measure, and the resolution aims to discourage future shutdowns by making lawmakers financially affected. Similar to federal employees, senators would receive back pay once a shutdown ends.
- Senate advances legislation to withhold pay from senators during government shutdowns
The Senate advanced a resolution to withhold pay from senators during government shutdowns with a unanimous 99-0 vote. The legislation aims to hold senators accountable during government closures. This move shows bipartisan support for fiscal responsibility.
- Cloudflare says autocrats, wars and elections caged the internet in Q1
Cloudflare reported significant internet disruptions in Q1 2026 caused by government shutdowns, power outages, and cyberattacks. Iran experienced two internet blackouts, AWS faced drone attacks, and TalkTalk had an unresolved technical incident.
- Republicans fear succession of government shutdowns under Trump
Senate Republicans are working to end a two-month Department of Homeland Security shutdown and fear a larger government shutdown in October triggered by Democrats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to pass a budget resolution to avert a politically damaging scenario.
- Maury Povich shuts down Joy Reid’s claim that Senate Democrats ‘do not play politics’
Maury Povich challenges Joy Reid's assertion that Senate Democrats avoid political tactics, arguing they would block Trump's Supreme Court nominations if they regain Senate control in 2026. Reid insists Democrats follow rules more than Republicans, citing past government shutdowns and policy compromises.