Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen
Donate
Podcasts Take Two
What is the legislature doing during the government shutdown?
solid orange rectangular banner
()
Take Two Logo
Oct 3, 2013
Listen • 5:27
What is the legislature doing during the government shutdown?
With many Congressional aides furloughed, and not much happening at the Capitol, some lawmakers are taking constituent calls personally; calls that would usually be answered by staffers.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks with a tour group from Beechwood KY, at the U.S. Capitol, October 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. Democrats and Republicans are still at a stalemate on funding for the federal government as the shut down goes into third day.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks with a tour group from Beechwood KY, at the U.S. Capitol, October 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. Democrats and Republicans are still at a stalemate on funding for the federal government as the shut down goes into third day.
(
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
)

With many Congressional aides furloughed, and not much happening at the Capitol, some lawmakers are taking constituent calls personally; calls that would usually be answered by staffers.

President Obama met yesterday with House and Senate leaders, but there's no sign of progress in resolving the stalemate that has idled 800,000 federal employees, closed national parks, and curtailed everything from scientific research to food inspections.

With many Congressional aides furloughed, and not much happening at the Capitol, some lawmakers are taking constituent calls personally; calls that would usually be answered by staffers.

Joining us with more on what's happening, or not happening on Capitol Hill, Fawn Johnson of National Journal.