Government by Gridlock: The Shutdown Showdown The threat of a government shutdown has become an all too familiar refrain in American politics, a reminder of our inability to put aside partisan differences and work towards the common good.
Congress's return to work sets the stage for another showdown, with a Senate passed bill aimed at averting a shutdown set for a vote in the House.
Government shutdowns have significant consequences for ordinary citizens: national parks are closed, essential services are disrupted, and the economy is put at risk.