Why the Government is About to Shut Down

<p>A showdown between House Republicans and their leader, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is heading toward a government shutdown.</p><p>Carl Hulse, chief Washington correspondent for The Times, explains the causes and consequences of the looming crisis.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/carl-hulse">Carl Hulse</a>, is chief Washington correspondent for The New York Times.</p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>How a small minority of right-wing Republicans succeeded in sowing mass dysfunction, spoiling for<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/us/republicans-congress-freedom-caucus.html?smid=pc-thedaily"> a shutdown, an impeachment and a House coup</a>.</li><li>As a government shutdown looms, Speaker McCarthy is toiling to turn the fight over federal spending into<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/us/politics/shutdown-mccarthy-immigration-border.html?smid=pc-thedaily"> a battle over border security</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/28/us/politics/biden-government-shutdown-strategy.html?smid=pc-thedaily">President Biden’s shutdown strategy is simple</a>: Avoid one, if possible. But if not, make sure Americans know where to place the blame.</li></ul><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily">nytimes.com/thedaily</a> Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.</p>