Congress Collected $20K Paychecks Amid 43-Day Shutdown, Costing Americans Billions
While 1.3 million active-duty service members, over 750,000 Guard and Reserve troops, and roughly 1.4 million federal workers endured furloughs or worked without pay during the historic 43-day government shutdown, members of Congress continued to collect their constitutionally protected salaries—amounting to more than $20,000 each.
The shutdown, which ended Wednesday night after President Donald Trump signed a short-term funding measure, inflicted an estimated $15 billion in weekly economic damage, according to White House projections. The standoff resulted in 60,000 private-sector jobs lost, food stamp disruptions, air-travel delays, and a surge in reliance on food banks across the country.
Rank-and-file members of Congress earned approximately $476 per day during the shutdown, totaling over $10 million combined. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., the highest-paid lawmaker, received more than $26,000.
While some lawmakers, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., declined or donated their paychecks, others faced criticism for continuing to accept their salaries while federal workers struggled.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., notably blocked a bipartisan proposal to suspend congressional pay during government shutdowns. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., did not accept his salary, according to his office.
The shutdown’s impact extended beyond federal employees.
Millions of Americans relying on government services faced hardship, with food assistance programs disrupted and critical agencies operating with skeletal staff. Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., criticized fellow Democrats for ending the shutdown, arguing that the move undermined their efforts to hold Trump accountable for the funding lapse.
Former Trump budget official Joe Grogan condemned Democratic lawmakers, stating they “should be forced to live like Americans” who bore the brunt of the shutdown’s consequences. With the funding bill now signed, all affected federal personnel will receive back pay, but the economic and social toll of the shutdown remains a point of contention.
The episode has reignited debates over congressional pay during government shutdowns, with calls for reform to ensure lawmakers share the financial burden imposed on federal workers and the public.
No US city will be ‘sanctuary’ for migrants: Border Patrol chief
As the U.S. Border Patrol shifts to another American city as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, the agency’s chief is backing other top federal officials despite controversy that has kept federal agents in national headlines for months now.
Michael Banks, the Border Patrol chief, says that an agency traditionally known for its work along the U.S.-Mexico border has been operating in more than 25 U.S. cities since President Donald Trump took office in January. This comes as Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is slated to arrive in Charlotte as early as Saturday, just days after shifting many of his agents out of Chicago.
More than 2,000 federal agents are spread across the country as part of an at-large operation that recently led to the arrest of more than 3,000 people in Chicago. As more Border Patrol agents move into Charlotte as part of a multi-agency effort in which Border Patrol agents are working collaboratively with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, Banks said his agency’s main priority remains the same.
“No city in America is going to be a sanctuary city for anyone who is in this country illegally,” Banks told NewsNation in an exclusive interview. “We are going to locate those in this country illegally. We’re going to prosecute them and deport them. There’s going to be more cities to come. This operation is not going to go away; it’s been highly successful.”
He added: “We took an oath to protect America, we have a president that is allowing us to do that, a (Department of Homeland) secretary that has our backs …so there is no city that will not see Border Patrol enforcement actions.”
Banks said that hundreds, if not thousands, of immigrants who the agency said entered the United States illegally are being removed daily. Yet, in places like Chicago, attorneys representing some of those detained by federal agents are challenging the arrests being made….
US reaches trade deal with Switzerland, Liechtenstein
“Switzerland and the U.S. have successfully found a solution: U.S. tariffs will be reduced to 15%,” the Swiss Federal Government posted on X. “Thanks to President Trump @POTUS for the constructive engagement. The meeting @USTradeRep with Amb. J. Greer was productive.”
U.S. tariffs on Switzerland will be reduced from 39% to 15%, The Hill reported.
“President Trump’s unmatched dealmaking continues to deliver for the American people,” U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement. “This framework tears down longstanding trade barriers that have held U.S. exporters back and secures billions in new investment on American soil—investment that will generate thousands of good-paying jobs in every state.”
“This deal builds upon the success of America first Trade Policy by correcting chronic trade imbalances, opening new markets for U.S. goods, and welcoming massive Swiss investment to help reduce our deficit in pharmaceuticals and other key sectors,” he continued.
Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein will remove tariffs on various fresh and dried nuts, fish and seafood, certain fruits, chemicals, and spirits such as whiskey and rum, according to the White House.
Also, “Swiss and Liechtenstein companies will invest at least $200 billion into the United States, with at least $67 billion worth of investment occurring in 2026,” a White House fact sheet reads.
Federal judge slams brakes on Trump admin rule limiting commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. ruled on Thursday the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) restrictions on immigrants obtaining commercial driver’s licenses cannot be enforced.
The restrictions were announced in September, after an illegal immigrant truck driver was accused of causing a tractor-trailer crash that killed three people in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Harjinder Singh, an Indian citizen who allegedly illegally entered the U.S. from Mexico in 2018, pleaded not guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter after allegedly jackknifing his truck during an illegal U-turn, causing a van to smash into the side of the tractor-trailer.
Judges also noted Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data shows about 5% of all commercial driver’s licenses belong to immigrants, though they only account for about 0.2% of fatal crashes.
Singh, who received his license in California, failed his CDL knowledge exam in Washington state 10 times within two months and failed his air brakes knowledge exam twice, according to the Florida Attorney General’s Office. He also failed an English proficiency test.
An audit of California records showed that many immigrants’ licenses remained valid long after their work permits expired, leading the state to revoke 17,000 licenses…..
Madison Cawthorn: Inside Washington’s Secrets, Blackmail, & His Fight for Truth | MPIML Ep #17
In this episode of My Price Is My Life, James O’Keefe sits down with former Congressman Madison Cawthorn, the youngest member ever elected to Congress, for one of his most personal and unfiltered interviews to date.
Cawthorn opens up about the infamous claims of “cocaine and congressional orgies,” blackmail, his battles with political leadership, the corruption he witnessed in Washington, and his near-fatal car crash that reshaped his life. From surviving the media smear machine to rediscovering faith, purpose, and courage, this is a conversation about power, truth, and redemption in modern America.
Frank Turek on What Really Happened to Charlie Kirk & at UC Berkeley | Dr. Frank Turek | Ep 1267
Dr. Frank Turek details UC Berkeley’s Antifa assault against a recent Turning Point USA event where he preached the gospel. He dismantles communism’s lie, affirms biblical justice, and urges Christians to wield government’s sword.
Frank encourages Allie and listeners to focus on truth, not speculation when it comes to getting caught up in Charlie Kirk death controversies.
House targets $500K payout clause for Republican senators
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced his chamber will fast-track legislation to repeal a part of the government funding package allowing a group of Republican senators to sue the federal government for $500,000 each.
Because it’s not going through the normal legislative process, it will need a two-thirds majority to pass. Johnson said the vote will take place next week. Even if the speaker ushers it through the House, it won’t take effect because the Senate won’t take it up.
Media Meltdowns: The delusional and downright crazy antics of the left
Sky News Digital Presenter Gabriella Power has blasted the leftist media’s delusional coverage of recent events.
Damascus bolsters its ties with London; Three hostages remain in Hamas captivity TV7 Israel 14 Nov.
1) Three bodies of hostages remain in Hamas captivity, after Meny Godard is returned to Israel.
2) Amid reported violence in Judea and Samaria against Palestinians, Jerusalem asserts that any incidents of lawlessness are dealt with to the full extent of the law.
3) The new Damasus regime opens its embassy in London.
January 6th 2021 | What they left out
This documentary is based on publicly available records, congressional testimony, and mainstream reporting. It is for educational and journalistic purposes only.
In 2021, the media declared January 6 an “insurrection” and “the greatest threat to democracy in history.” But hidden footage, congressional testimony, and later investigations told a very different story — one the public was never allowed to hear.
With new legal battles in 2025 and renewed scrutiny on legacy media, this documentary breaks down what really happened at the Capitol.
Using verified reports, congressional records, and on-the-ground evidence, we revisit the timeline, the security failures, the withheld footage, and why not a single person was ultimately charged with insurrection.
DAMNING evidence emerges against POPULAR Dem rep for alleged MILLIONS in fraud
Former federal prosecutor Jonathan Fahey joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss the federal probe into Rep. Eric Swalwell over alleged mortgage fraud and what investigators will look for in the growing controversy.
AG Pam Bondi Vows To Continue Suing California Over ‘Illegal Gerrymandering,’ Sanctuary City Policies
Appearing on Fox News ‘Hannity’ on Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi explained the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent decision to sue California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state, detailing the administration’s broad legal efforts to challenge state policies, including alleged “illegal gerrymandering” and “sanctuary city” provisions.
The initial point of contention discussed was a lawsuit over California’s plan for gerrymandering. Bondi characterized the plan as an “illicit power grab,” asserting that the state was openly attempting to “create seats based on race,” which she stated is illegal.
“We sued them today, we’re gonna continue suing California… until they start complying with the laws of our country,” Bondi vowed.
The Attorney General also focused on the DOJ’s legal challenge to California’s status as a “sanctuary state,” arguing that such policies violate the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which grants jurisdiction over immigration to the federal government.
When asked if such policies are “not aiding and abetting in the lawbreaking,” Bondi confirmed the DOJ’s view:….
Who Is Thomas Crooks?
The FBI told us Thomas Crooks tried to kill Donald Trump last summer but somehow had no online footprint. The FBI lied, and we can prove it because we have his posts. The question is why?
Feds Arrest 21 Members of Violent Arlington ‘Kiccdoe’ Gang
Federal authorities have charged 21 alleged members of a violent Arlington, Texas, street gang with a sweeping list of offenses, including racketeering, murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, and firearms crimes, in what prosecutors describe as a significant strike against one of the region’s most dangerous criminal enterprises.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson, in announcing the arrests, said that all 21 defendants, accused of belonging to the Arlington gang known as “Kiccdoe” and ranging in age from 18-22, are now in custody, according to a Department of Justice statement on Thursday.
The defendants were charged by federal complaint on Nov. 4, with 17 of them making their initial appearance in court on Nov. 8, and the others appearing a day later.
FBI Dallas Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Wright stressed that the suspects’ ages should not “distract from the havoc that they’ve inflicted upon our community.”
“These gang members allegedly use violence and intimidation to protect their territory and profits,” he said.
“They instilled fear in their victims and took revenge on their rivals.”
Wright said Kiccdoe members are suspected in multiple drive-by shootings, attempted murders, homicides, robberies, weapons offenses, assaults against police, and violent crimes against children…..
Victor Davis Hanson: How California Progressives Created a Medieval Society
On today’s episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Victor Davis Hanson and Sami Winc discuss the overwhelming population of illegal aliens in California, examining the open border agenda of Gov.
Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, how both prominent California Democrats are deliberately fighting ICE rather than prioritize wildfire victims, and how Democrats used the government shutdown to their advantage in the lead up to the 2025 election.
500K Double Dippers, 5K Dead People Found on SNAP in 29 States
Across three-fifths of the United States, the Trump administration has found half a million people receiving SNAP benefits twice over and 5,000 dead people receiving them. In deep blue states, the fraud is probably much worse.
It is important to clarify that 20+ states out of the 50 did not comply with the federal government’s request for information on SNAP beneficiaries, likely because they are trying to hide how many illegal aliens are illicitly receiving food stamps.
So the horrifying numbers revealed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on Laura Ingraham’s Fox News show, The Ingraham Angle, are actually incomplete, and will probably be much higher if the administration can make radical Democrat states provide the necessary data.
Rollins, having mentioned the blue states’ incomplete SNAP data, stated that “of the 29 that complied, what we have found is staggering. Half a million people getting benefits two times under the same name, [likewise] 5,000 dead people.”
Those 5,000 cases are probably family members continuing to receive SNAP benefits instead of the deceased individuals. In any case, we are wasting huge amounts of taxpayer money on beneficiaries who have passed away and greedy double-dippers……
Greg Gutfeld: When you can’t define a woman, you can’t defend one
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld and the ‘Gutfeld!’ panel weigh in on Tish Hyman’s confrontation with California State Sen. Scott Wiener after her interaction in a Gold’s Gym locker room.
Newsfeed News.com 