The current federal government shutdown is the fourth in the history of this column. So your columnists will continue the tradition of offering our commentary on the impact of this confusion.

As of the writing of this edition, most federal agencies are closed and employees who are working are not receiving wages. Commentators suggest no hope of a resolution anytime soon. Republicans want to pass a “clean bill,” but Democrats want continued funding for health exchange insurance subsidies, which expire at the end of this year. Several polls indicate that Americans blame President Donald Trump and the Republicans more than Democrats by a slight margin. A third of polling respondents fault both parties. Will this shutdown impact elections next year?

Cowley: Unless the shutdown drags out for

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