House members were already fleeing their chamber in droves, either to seek higher office or simply walk off into the sunset. Then the government shut down for a historic 38 days and counting.

Why it matters: The gridlock and dysfunction is pushing lawmakers who were already pessimistic about congressional productivity into a state of near despondency. • The shutdown "certainly doesn't help" members' longstanding frustrations with congressional productivity, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) told Axios, noting that the House has been kept out of session for its duration. • "We ran for office to get things done for our people back home. Having the Speaker give up all our power to the executive makes it harder and harder for us to truly represent our constituents," she said.

Driving the news: R

See Full Page