Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Even a government non-shutdown comes with serious costs

Jan 19, 2024
Federal workers still have to prepare for a potential shutdown weeks in advance in addition to (or instead of) their regular duties. Waiting for a budget also has another price: the erosion of the public's trust in government.
The continuing resolution passed by Congress isn't exactly a win for anyone — it just keeps funding at around the current amount for a bit longer.
Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

What lawmakers are fighting over when they fight about appropriations

Aug 9, 2023
The portion of federal spending being determined by what’s called the appropriations process is relatively small.
The amount of nondefense discretionary spending that Congress fights over every year is getting smaller.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Earmarks make a comeback in a closely divided Congress

Mar 12, 2021
Opponents argue earmarks opened the door to corruption and waste. Supporters argue they'll help make Congress more effective.
Sandy Washington, executive director of LifeStyles in La Plata, Maryland. Her group received a $60,000 earmark before the ban.
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace

Congress returns to face funding deadline

Sep 9, 2019
A busy agenda, including a looming deadline for a spending deal, awaits lawmakers returning from their summer recess.
The House of Representatives and Senate have about a dozen working days to hammer out 12 separate spending bills. Above, the U.S. Capitol.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

U.S. government shuts down for the second time in 2018

Feb 8, 2018
The shutdown came after Kentucky Senator Rand Paul blocked a vote on the budget plan.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images