Why can’t the federal government spend money during a shutdown?: Capitol Letter

Rotunda Rumblings 

We’re not broke: The U.S. Treasury continues to collect tax revenue during the government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, and surpassed the previous record of 35 days on November 5. Yet critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are operating on limited emergency funds rather than regular appropriations, leaving millions of Americans wondering: If the money is there, why can’t the government spend it? The answer, Sabrina Eaton writes , lies in a fundamental constitutional requirement and federal law that prohibits spending without explicit congressional authorization.

Work in progress: Ohio’s redistricting process, passed by large bipartisan majorities last decade, has faced loud and unceasing criticism that it allows the state