In Washington, the U.S. government shutdown has entered its ninth day. The Senate failed to pass two funding bills that would have ended the shutdown. The Democrats’ bill included more than $1 trillion in healthcare funding, which include Affordable Care Act subsidies. Congressional Democrats have introduced another bill that would pay child care fees for federal workers during the shutdown. On Wednesday, the IRS announced it will furlough about 34,000 workers — nearly half of its workforce — because of the shutdown.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Rubén Gallego confronted House Speaker Mike Johnson for failing to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva.

Speaker Mike Johnson: “I am anxious to administer the oath to her, as soon as you guys vote to open the government.”

Sen. Rubén Gallego: “How much is this actually to do with you just don’t want her to be on the Epstein — you don’t want her to be on the Epstein discharge? How much? Because you’re” —

Speaker Mike Johnson: “That’s totally absurd. You guys are experts at red herrings and distractions.”

Sen. Rubén Gallego: “No, it’s not, because you keep on moving the — moving the line.”

Speaker Mike Johnson: “No, I’m not. This has nothing to do with Epstein.” 

Click here to see our interview with Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva.