Many in leadership will likely be breathing a sigh of relief when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a House of Representatives rabble-rouser and thorn in Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) side, departs Capitol Hill.

However, the speaker’s problems are far from over, as her resignation has exposed deeper problems with the House’s “top-down” approach, which has turned off lawmakers who can no longer legislate without the White House’s say-so.

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A blue wave struck in last week's off-year elections. Democrats? Vindicated and ecstatic. Republicans? Dismissive and unbothered. Which party has the right messaging strategy? And what does this mean for 2026?Lauren speaks to Democratic strategist Jon Reinish on what the 2025 elections taught us and what we can expect heading into next year's midterms?

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Capitol Hill staffers, already frustrated by the prospect of a first missed paycheck on Friday due to the government shutdown, have begun highlighting how seemingly everyday, small tasks are becoming increasingly difficult.

“There have been so many small inconveniences where we don’t realize are essential to having an open and effective government — the doors being closed because [U.S. Capitol Police] are understaffed and not getting paid,” one senior House aide told the Washington Examiner.

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The government shutdown is everlasting as we enter week 5 and day 27. Time is running out on the Nov. 21 spending deal, so lawmakers are already admitting they'll need a new one. Plus, the House got sued by Adelita Grijalva and Arizona.

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In this special bonus episode of Capitol Conversations, we sit down with Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to talk about his shutdown frustrations, his optimism for the funding bills after the government re-opens, and the unique (and rare) moments of bipartisanship on the committee he shares with his Democratic counterparts.

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Lawmakers are exhausted, staffers are exhausted, we’re exhausted. It’s day 20 of the shutdown and there’s no end in sight. How long will it end? Your guess is as good as ours.

Democratic Rep. Mike Levin of California breaks down the shutdown fatigue, plus the state’s redistricting effort.

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It's been nearly a fortnight since the government shutdown began, and everyone in Washington is down bad as they hope for a way into delicate negotiations. The life of a shutdown has been full of drama — and honey, we're here to break it all down for you. Rachel also steps into House GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer's office for a sit-down interview.

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