Government Shutdown Becomes 2nd-Longest in US History: 4 Things to Know

The government shutdown that started on Oct. 1 has entered its fourth week and is now the second-longest in U.S. history. On day 22 of the shutdown, Democrats and Republicans remained at odds. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has been speaking on the Senate floor for more than 17 hours to protest the Trump administration’s policies.

Sen. Jeff Merkley delivers marathon speech protesting Trump’s policies

Washington — Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, began delivering a marathon speech on the Senate floor Tuesday evening, speaking overnight and into the morning Wednesday in protest of President Trump’s policies.  Merkley, 68, began speaking at 6:21 p.m. on Tuesday and railed against the Trump administration through the night for its deportation efforts, canceled

Democratic Sen. Merkley Holds Senate Floor for 18 Hours, Protesting Trump Admin

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) speaks during a press conference at the House Triangle near the U.S. Capitol building on March 22, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has held the Senate floor for more than 18 hours, protesting President Donald Trump and his administration. Merkley began speaking at 6:21 p.m. ET on

Democratic Sen. Merkley Holds Senate Floor for 21 Hours, Protesting Trump Admin

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) speaks during a press conference at the House Triangle near the U.S. Capitol building on March 22, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) seized the Senate floor for more than 22 hours, protesting President Donald Trump and his administration amid the ongoing government shutdown. Merkley spoke from 6:21

Historic preservation group seeks to pause White House wing demolition

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit chartered by Congress to further the historic preservation policy in the U.S., has written a letter urging the Trump administration to pause the demolition of the East Wing of the White House until a review of President Trump’s ballroom plans is completed.  The letter, sent Tuesday and addressed to