Washington Today

Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, discusses the ramifications of a government shutdown on federal workers, emphasizing the need for bipartisan action. Retired Army Colonel Peter Mansoor reflects on the unusual presidential gathering of generals, questioning its implications for civil-military relations. Lastly, Rob Henderson from the Manhattan Institute dives into online radicalization among young men, analyzing the psychological factors that drive political extremism and suggesting ways to counteract it.

On Day Three of the federal government shutdown, the Senate votes for a fourth time on the same Republican and Democratic proposals and again each fails to reach the 60 votes required to pass; President Donald Trump posts a video depicting OMB Russell Vought as the Grim Reaper as the president considers widespread layoffs of federal workers now on furlough with the government shutdown; Director Vought announces on X over $2 billion in federal funding for transit projects in Chicago is being suspended due to concerns about 'race-based contracting'; Labor Department jobs report for September that would have come out today did not because of the government shutdown; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he directed, on President Donald Trump's orders, a lethal strike against a drug smuggling boat off the coast of Venezuela that the Secretary says was "affiliated with Designated Terrorist Organizations", and that four people onboard were killed; President Trump says Hamas has agreed to the peace plan with Israel and he and the Israeli Prime Minister presented, after President Trump sets a deadline for Hamas or ,  'all hell' will 'break out'; Senate Republicans block a Democratic request to extend a cybersecurity law that expired with the end of the fiscal year on Wednesday that provides legal protections for critical infrastructure like electrical grids, transportation, and communications to share cyber intelligence with the federal government and each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Thune, U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader, discusses the urgent need for a clean short-term funding bill to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader, emphasizes the necessity of negotiations, criticizing Republicans for the impasse while highlighting health care and immigration as critical issues. The conversation reflects on how the shutdown could damage the economy and affect federal workers, as both parties grapple with accusations of blame.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Vice President J.D. Vance shed light on the ongoing federal government shutdown. Schumer blames Republicans for causing the crisis and emphasizes the importance of protecting health care subsidies. Vance counters with the administration's perspective, arguing that layoffs will target services rather than political affiliations. The duo dives into contentious topics like health care for noncitizens, the withholding of $18 billion for NYC infrastructure, and the immediate impacts on federal workers and services.

Former President Donald Trump shares insights from the Oval Office, highlighting the likelihood of a government shutdown due to stalled negotiations. He also discusses a historic deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices for Medicaid patients. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer critiques Republican proposals and emphasizes the need for healthcare discussions. Trump addresses military policy changes, promising gender-neutral fitness standards while calling for military training to occur in crime-ridden cities. The conversation touches on bipartisan tensions and ongoing political challenges.

Congressional leaders are scrambling to avert a government shutdown, with bipartisan negotiations being demanded. President Trump unveils a bold plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict, met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's cautious support. In an unexpected twist, Oregon’s Attorney General files a lawsuit against the federal deployment of the National Guard to Portland, citing legality concerns. The program also tackles urgent issues like mass shootings and the complex dynamics of political violence.

Tim Roemer, a former Democratic congressman, and Tom Wheeler, former FCC chairman, join the conversation on polarizing politics and media regulation. Roemer discusses bipartisan efforts to reduce polarization, emphasizing gerrymandering reforms. Wheeler addresses the Jimmy Kimmel controversy, criticizing the FCC's overreach into broadcasting content and warning against coercive tactics. The segment concludes with a discussion on the FDA's new stance on acetaminophen during pregnancy and its implications for autism research.

While Congress is out of session, and President Donald Trump spent the day in New York at the Ryder Cup golf tournament, Washington Today look at some of the major stories this past week, including: *Former FBI Director James Comey is indicted for lying to Congress. President Trump says it is justice and not revenge against a political opponent. *Deadly shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Dallas leads to more bipartisan calls for an end to politically-inspired violence. *Chances grow for a federal government will shut down with Republicans and Democrats seemingly far apart on a funding deal. *FDA warns that using pain reliever acetaminophen in Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism. President Trump goes further, saying 'don't take Tylenol if you are pregnant.' *United Nations General Assembly meets  to hear speeches from President Trump and other world leaders. Today, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke, but not before a mass walkout of delegates in protest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former U.S. President Donald Trump shares insights on the impending federal shutdown and its implications for border policy, while emphasizing negotiations concerning U.S. military dealings with Turkey. Bo Erickson, a congressional reporter from Reuters, dives into the legal intricacies surrounding mass layoffs during a shutdown and discusses the uncertain state of congressional negotiations. The duo sheds light on the looming crisis and how lawmakers are tackling funding while maneuvering through political tensions.

Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Senator, condemned the recent politically motivated violence linked to a deadly ICE shooting, urging for an end to the hostility against law enforcement. Former President Bill Clinton emphasized the dangers of rising partisan divides and their threat to free speech and national unity at a conference. Adelita Grijalva, celebrating her victory in the Arizona special election, honored her late father's legacy and shared her priorities for Congress, promising to work towards meaningful change.