The Daily Punch The Readback: The House’s unusually quiet shutdown
Oct 11, 2025
Laura Weiss, co-author of 'The Vault' and a Punchbowl News reporter, joins Max Cohen to dive into the surprising quiet of the House during the government shutdown. They explore how House Republicans are strategically keeping members absent, contrasting it with the Senate's ongoing activity. The duo discusses the political stalemate, the implications of military pay efforts, and the Democrats' demands regarding Obamacare subsidies. Laura hints at the potential influence of former President Trump, emphasizing the deeper implications of legislative dynamics.
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House Largely Absent During Shutdown
- The House has been largely absent since the shutdown began, leaving an eerie, minimal presence in the Capitol.
- Major shutdown activity is happening without the full House physically present, changing usual political dynamics.
Senate Activity Is Largely Symbolic
- The Senate is in session and voting, but mostly on failing, symbolic measures that don't produce a resolution.
- The contrast makes the Senate appear active while still lacking a serious path to end the shutdown.
Real Impacts Aren't Forcing Compromise
- Major, tangible impacts like military pay are looming but haven't forced compromise yet.
- Both parties remain entrenched, reducing near-term chances of an agreed exit strategy.