Shutdown Impacts and Political Responses

The ongoing government shutdown ⁢has reached a historic length,​ prompting discussion about its effects on voters and lawmakers. ​As of mid-November⁣ 2025, ‍the administration had prioritized military payments and funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while delaying funding ⁣for food assistance⁤ programs benefiting approximately 42 million Americans, according to CNN’s chief national-affairs correspondent, Jeff Zeleny, during an appearance on washington Week ‌With The Atlantic.

Zeleny noted on November 17, 2025, that this ⁤funding choice “is ‌beginning‌ to‌ catch up ⁢with the ‍administration ‍and ‌Republicans.”

Democratic Position Strengthens

Atlantic staff writer Mark Leibovich observed that⁣ Democrats ‌appeared ​more resolute in their position following recent elections. He stated that they “seem emboldened by Tuesday’s ​elections.”

Panel Discussion‌ Participants

the discussion featured insights from a panel of journalists,including Leigh Ann Caldwell,chief Washington correspondent at Puck;‍ David Ignatius,a foreign-affairs columnist ⁤at The Washington Post; Mark Leibovich,a staff writer at The Atlantic; and Jeff Zeleny,the chief national-affairs correspondent at CNN. The panel was moderated ‌by Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor ⁤in chief of ⁤ The Atlantic.