Outside the Beltway

Some notes on House process and how it relates to recent and ongoing political news.

Newly-Sworn-in-Rep. Grijalva provides the final signature.

Some questions to consider as you evaluate congressional leadership.

Why blaming “the Democrats” or even “leadership” ignores a basic fact of American politics.

What the shutdown should have been about.

Majorities gonna majority.

Where’s the positive example?

Things will get radically worse if the shutdown doesn’t end soon.

The octogenarian Speaker Emerita will not seek re-election.

The standoff is in its 35th day.

He’s making a major admission.

It’s not an unprecedented stance.

The light at the end of the tunnel is a train.

The Pentagon’s couch cushions are huuuuge.

Upcoming milestones that could force a deal.

Next up: our armed forces.

It’s huuuuge.

Power is apparently very important.

The SOUTHCOM commander has resigned and the Senate is debating, but it won’t matter.

Some limits on Democratic pushback

Congress, Schmongress.

A dramatic escalation of the standoff.

Passing a budget the President can ignore creates a dilemma.

Democratic leadership still keeps playing normal politics in times that are anything but.