How Shutting Down the U.S. Government Became the New Normal

How Shutting Down the U.S. Government Became the New Normal

Thirty years ago, a dangerous precedent was established that permanently altered the rules of political combat.

Senator Chuck Schumer stands at a lecturn gesturing to a sign with Donald Trump speaking on it. September 24, 2025, 12:01 AM Comment icon View Comments ( )

A government shutdown is looming. On Sept. 11, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries would demand specific health care provisions, including a reversal of the Medicaid cuts that were part of the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” along with concrete assurances that the president could not undo them after passage, to keep the government running. But after they sought a meeting with Tru