The government shutdown ground Washington to a halt for 16 days, furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers, and put the spotlight on various political players, many of whom weren't exactly household names before D.C. turned out its lights. Here are some of the stars of the shutdown:
Brendan Smialowski / AFP
Senator Ted Cruz speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
Ted Cruz, R-Texas: The freshman senator has received lots of attention — both positive and negative — since he started in the Senate in January. But he entered a new realm of fame at the end of September when he gave a marathon 21-hour filibuster-style speech intended to push defunding President Obama's health care law as part of any budget agreement.
When the Senate announced on Wednesday that it had struck a deal to reopen the federal government and extend its power to borrow money, all eyes turned to Cruz to see whether he would be willing to play along. He said he would not block the vote — even though he opposed the deal because it didn't address Republican objections to Obamacare.
While an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll found Cruz's popularity, along with that of the Republican party as a whole, has taken a hit because of the government shutdown, Cruz was the overwhelming favorite among conservative activists over the weekend in the Values Voter straw poll.
Senate Chaplain Barry Black: The Seventh-Day Adventist and retired Navy vice admiral who leads the Senate in its daily morning prayer decided to use his platform to chide senators for refusing to compromise on a way to reopen the government, asking God to "save us from the madness" and "Deliver us from the hypocrisy of attempting to sound reasonable while being unreasonable."
Drew Angerer / AP file
Senate Chaplain Barry Black
His prayer last Wednesday, in which he called for the reinstatement of military benefits to families of fallen servicemembers that were being denied due to the shutdown, made particularly large waves.
"Lord, when our federal shutdown delays payments of death benefits to the families of children dying on far-away battlefields, it's time for our lawmakers to say enough is enough," Black said. "Cover our shame with the robe of your righteousness."
Responding a few minutes later, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said, "What Dr. Black said to all of us this morning, all of those who believe that a government shutdown is just another political gambit, what he said, we should remember, and his words were direct and simple. Enough is enough. Enough is enough."
Texas Lieutenant Gov. David Dewhurst: This Republican lawmaker turned "Obama impeachment" into the second most-searched term on Google Trends Hot Searches on Tuesday after he called for Obama to be impeached at a Tea Party candidate forum in Bedford, Texas, on Monday night.
Eric Gay / AP file
Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst
"This election is about protecting you and your freedoms, which are given to you by God, but which are being trampled on by Barack Obama right now. I don’t know about you, but Barack Obama ought to be impeached," he said to an applauding crowd, reported TexasObserver.org. "Not only for trampling on our liberties, but what he did in Benghazi is just a crime."
After the rally, Dewhurst told the Observer that Obama has "disregarded federal law" and said, "He’s created winners and losers out of Obamacare where he has no authority, such as allowing for the unions and big businesses to postpone their mandates for a year."
Dewhurst ran in 2012 for the U.S. Senate, but lost to Ted Cruz in the primary election.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va.: The two moderates led a group of about a dozen senators who were desperately trying to find a solution to end the government shutdown while other bipartisan pushes failed.
Getty Images
Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.
Collins put forward a plan that would extend government funding for six months, raise the debt ceiling through January, and delay the medical-device tax — which generates a significant amount of revenue under Obamacare — for two years. Manchin worked with Collins on a "template" for the plan, telling MSNBC on Wednesday morning, "It's a template of what we've put together, and we're very encouraged that Reid and McConnell" are moving ahead.
"Before I went to the Senate floor, no one was presenting any way out," Collins told The New York Times. "I think what our group did was pave the way, and I’m really happy about that."
Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla.: The freshman House member caused some confusion — and outrage — when he told a town hall meeting that he doesn't think furloughed government workers should receive back pay, even though less than a week prior, he voted to give it to them.
"But the people that are home watching Netflix and whatever, I'm not sure that we should be sending them checks," a caller at the town hall said.
"Well, when we voted on that, they were supposed to come back to work as part of that deal," Yoho responded. "I agree 100 percent with you. If they're not working, they shouldn't get paid."
Yoho also received criticism last week for a remark he made that if the U.S. defaults, the economy could actually see some benefits. Speaking to the Washington Post, Yoho said the country needed "to have that moment where we realize [we're' going broke."
"I think, personally, it would bring stability to the world markets,” he said.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.: The non-voting delegate to the House from Washington grabbed headlines when she reportedly interrupted President Obama numerous times during a meeting last Wednesday when he was answering her question about a bill to fund D.C.
Norton, called upon in the meeting, pressed Obama to support a House-passed bill that would allow Washington to use its locally raised tax funds to keep operating until Dec. 15.
A lawmaker who attended the event told The Washington Post that she refused to give up the microphone and spoke over the president as he held firm in his stance that Republicans should come to an agreement to reopen the entire government — not pass piecemeal funding bills.
"I wasn’t picking a fight with the president, I think the people of the District would expect me to have a conversation with him rather than just asking a question," Norton told The Post.
She noted that she didn't mean to disrespect him.
"He’s a big boy and I’m a big girl."
The World War II Memorial in Washington: The closed World War II Memorial, one of the most popular spots on the National Mall, became a frequent spot of rally cries during the shutdown, with Republicans using it as an opportunity to throw blame back at Democrats.
On Sunday, demonstrators — joined by Republican Sens. Cruz and Mike Lee of Utah, as well as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin — pushed past barricades to protest the memorial's closing.
Luis M. Alvarez / AP
A group of World War II veterans from Florida visit the World War II Memorial in Washington on Oct. 8.
"Our vets have proven that they have not been timid, so we will not be timid in calling out any who would use our military, our vets, as pawns in a political game," Palin told the protesters.
Earlier rallies at the memorial during the shutdown have been more focused on Veterans. Vets of all ages rallied to express their fears that their benefits could run out if the shutdown persisted.
On Oct. 3, Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas, confronted a U.S. Park Service Ranger who was guarding the closed memorial, demanding to know from her, "How do you look at them and... deny them access?"
"The Park Service should be ashamed of themselves," he told her, to which she replied, "I'm not ashamed."
Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA
Lawmakers work to pass a bill that would end the first government shutdown in 17 years and prevent the government from defaulting on its debt.
Osama Bin Laden also became famous after 9/11 terrorist attack.
And, now everyone knows where he ended up in the end.
People also heard of Joe McCarthy.
This time, it was Ted Cruz's time to relish in the 15 minutes of fame.
Last year, it was Michelle Bachmann.
The other year it was Sarah Palin.
...
And, now everyone knows where he ended up in the end.
People also heard of Joe McCarthy.
This time, it was Ted Cruz's time to relish in the 15 minutes of fame.
Last year, it was Michelle Bachmann.
The other year it was Sarah Palin.
...
I'd like to know who in Ted Cruz's staff kept telling him that making an a** of himself in front of the entire country would behoove him politically in any way, shape, or form.
If that guy had zero chance of becoming president before, he now has a negative chance. His mere presence will make those around him (i.e., other GOP candidates) even less likely than they already were to beat Hillary or whoever gets the Democratic nomination.
If he isn't aspiring to become president, then I don't know what the hell he was trying to grab headlines for. But whatever his ulterior motive was, it was clear from the beginning that he would fail and, indeed, fail spectacularly he did.
How does it feel to be laughingstock of the month, Cruz?
If that guy had zero chance of becoming president before, he now has a negative chance. His mere presence will make those around him (i.e., other GOP candidates) even less likely than they already were to beat Hillary or whoever gets the Democratic nomination.
If he isn't aspiring to become president, then I don't know what the hell he was trying to grab headlines for. But whatever his ulterior motive was, it was clear from the beginning that he would fail and, indeed, fail spectacularly he did.
How does it feel to be laughingstock of the month, Cruz?
He was born in Canada. After all the screaming and screeching from the Birthers for the past five years, it would be sheer hypocrisy for any one of them to support him, and yet I call that Donald Trump will be first and foremost in the photo-ops with Cruz.
Except for Susan Collins and Joe Manchin, the rest of them are looney-toons.
On Oct. 3, Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas, confronted a U.S. Park Service Ranger who was guarding the closed memorial, demanding to know from her, "How do you look at them and... deny them access?"
This fool who is a typical example of his party will probably be re-elected by delusional voters who also think Dubya Bush was a 'great leader' who defended our country from WMDs. Mission Accomplished!!!
This fool who is a typical example of his party will probably be re-elected by delusional voters who also think Dubya Bush was a 'great leader' who defended our country from WMDs. Mission Accomplished!!!
The Koch Group should learn from this. When you put a crazy person"Ted Cruz" into a position of power, you loose control of him. Its like giving a crazy person a gun, You never know who he is going to shoot. He is just as likely to shoot you. Cruz can not be controlled, He has had a taste of power and is out of control. God I hope he runs for President and gets the Nomination. And I hope the Koch group spends billions trying to get him elected and right at the end it is ruled he can not be President because he was Born in Canada. Now his dad is Cuban. Don't know what his mother is. But If President Obama mother was American, and the right kept saying the President wasn't born in the USA, Then Cruz is DOA if he tries to run. I just want to see all the rich people spend all that money for nothing.
#1.7 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 11:01 PM EDT
This is a new Cold War, just as serious as the Cold War with the Communists because the TP fanatics will keep trying to force minority rule on the American people.
#1.8 - Thu Oct 17, 2013 12:13 AM EDT
Air Pilots, police officers and other important professions require the MMPI, a psychological test to make sure people are sane enough and intelligent enough. Shouldn't we establish a psychological test requirement for people in congress as well? No offense but Rand Paul didn't even pass his dentist State license and he's making decisions about US economy.
#2 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:04 PM EDT
These guys are heroes. We are out of money. They are prescient. Time to balance our budget. Yes, pay our bills, but only those we can afford---we cannot borrow more money. By the way, I am a liberal democrat!
#4 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:37 PM EDT
You know, I can see Cruz on my toast! Does that mean he is the chosen one?
Heroes do not use extortion to try to get there way and shutdown the government in the process! There are proper ways to get budgets passed and getting things done. No Ted Cruz and his Tea Party buddies crossed the line in their actions and should be prepared for consequences for these actions ( voted out of office at the least, removed from office or even jail time )! No the Tea Parties real reason is they hate this president so much that they ignored the election and held this country hostage to try to get rid of him. and everything he represents. Sit down and discuss a reasonable budget like men not spoiled children! I'm a moderate by the way.
Its not the debt that many disagree with as far as the Tea Party goes....its their AGENDA!!
Oh great a T-bagger masquerading as a liberal democrat. Bull@!$%#, you are only fooling ilk of your own kind, a liberal democrat doesn't buy into right wing propaganda like you do.
They are all infamous, but at least for now it looks like we will not default on the debt.
#5 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 7:43 PM EDT
Cruz wins the overall Dufus award. He really needs to start his own nation,say Texas,and mold it into his own image. The new currency will have a different picture of Cruz. The four dollar bill, the eleven dollar,the one hundred and two and the thirteen hundred. There will be a six trillion dollar to pay off this new nation's debt. Good luck,President Cruz!
#6 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:04 PM EDT
So how long before we charge the Koch Bros and others for 18 USC § 2384 – Seditious Conspiracy http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2384 we sue them for the 24,000,000,000 it cost.
#7 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:05 PM EDT
Tim I am with you. But mean while we should all boycott everything they make. And what about the Threats made by the Koch groups. If you don't do what we tell you, we will spend big money to run someone against you. There has to be some way to get these people. But the Supreme Court will protect then at all cost.
Seems right that the districts that elected the TP idiots, starting with Cruz's, feel the pain first. Maybe a 6 or 9 month suspension of ANY federal funds for ANYthing would be a good start - just enough for them to realize what fools they were to believe the TP nonsense.
I want every Republican and conservative mentioned to take an HONEST look about how the shutdown began. I want every one of them to remember who wanted to defund the health care act. One they are honest with themselves and with every American, then they will realize which political party really started the shut down and nearly put the country in financial collapse.
By the way, I am a conservative Republican who always votes Republican.
By the way, I am a conservative Republican who always votes Republican.
- - Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:07 PM EDT
just remember them at election time, do not any of these guys get back in office. and the crazy woman get her out too. freshman senator and house representatives were the cause of this, thank you so much. idiots
The more I see of Ted Cruz the more I suspect he likes to wear pretty, lacy things in the privacy of his own home.
#11 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:18 PM EDT
And would someone please wipe that smug, feces-eating grin off Eric Cantor's face.
#12 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:21 PM EDT
And the biggest losers, the American people. Vote the bunch out and take Mr Hope and Change with em.
#13 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 8:27 PM EDT
Hey Tea Party? So sorry but you are not going to make the rest of the country into Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama. Its not going to happen....get over it!
#14 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:00 PM EDT
CutRedTape
These guys are heroes. We are out of money. They are prescient. Time to balance our budget. Yes, pay our bills, but only those we can afford---we cannot borrow more money. By the way, I am a liberal democrat!
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I call B.S. If you were a Democrat, you would be smart enough to know government spending has been going down under Obama for the first time in years. The deficit is shrinking under Obama, something it hasn't done under a Republican administration in YEARS. Only liars and fools on the Right believe the claptrap coming out of Republicans filthy mouths.
These guys are heroes. We are out of money. They are prescient. Time to balance our budget. Yes, pay our bills, but only those we can afford---we cannot borrow more money. By the way, I am a liberal democrat!
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I call B.S. If you were a Democrat, you would be smart enough to know government spending has been going down under Obama for the first time in years. The deficit is shrinking under Obama, something it hasn't done under a Republican administration in YEARS. Only liars and fools on the Right believe the claptrap coming out of Republicans filthy mouths.
#15 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:08 PM EDT
That was an interesting pose for Cruz, the ceiling treatment made it look like a halo. I wonder how long he looked for that arrangement?
Just don't get smug, we are going to have to go through this again in January.
Just don't get smug, we are going to have to go through this again in January.
#16 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 9:25 PM EDT
look closer.... you will see a giant butt hole with a huge turd coming out of it.
"Our vets have proven that they have not been timid, so we will not be timid in calling out any who would use our military, our vets, as pawns in a political game,"
The ONLY ones using the Vets as pawns is the RepukliCON /TeapubliCON party period. And Cruz, well I don't know about you, but I believe its long past time from some to put this sick individual down.
The ONLY ones using the Vets as pawns is the RepukliCON /TeapubliCON party period. And Cruz, well I don't know about you, but I believe its long past time from some to put this sick individual down.
nope. i bet he has already increased his security tenfold.. ALL at the taxpayer's expense. we are all paying for his security so he can be a huge ass hole.
"Our vets have proven that they have not been timid, so we will not be timid in calling out any who would use our military, our vets, as pawns in a political game," Palin told the protesters.
Is she calling out herself?
Is she calling out herself?
- #19 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 10:47 PM EDT
I heard that the Vets didn't really care to have Cruz and Palin use them like they did. This big rally only had about 100 people. Some people have no shame. Texas Ted is lower then pond scum and sister Sara is right there next to him. The Rep's like McCain should have slapped Cruz down before he could do so much damage to the Rep's. Not one Rep's senator said a thing. At least Pete King of NY called Cruz out.
- #20 - Wed Oct 16, 2013 11:22 PM EDT
Note to Texas: if you're going to keep burdening us with "public servants" like Ted Cruz and David Dewhurst, not to mention George W. Bush and that lunatic governor of yours, will you PLEASE succeed from the union? The rest of us would sure appreciate it. Thank you.
#23 - Thu Oct 17, 2013 12:16 AM EDT
Steve R: Reply from Texas: We Texans of sound mind did not vote for GW Bush, Perry, Ted Cruz, David Dewhurst, Louis Gohmert or any of the other Tea Party terrorists. It appears that Texans of sound mind are a minority in our state. We are doing our damnedest to turn Texas purple in the near future. (Even though I get where you're coming from and like what you have to say, the word is "secede" and not succeed.) Regards, a Texas Democrat
#24 - Thu Oct 17, 2013 1:42 AM EDT
Oh, and if anyone out there has entertained - or is entertaining - the idea that Dewhurst would have been a better Senator than Cruz, you have and are wasting your time. Neither politician should have ever been voted into their present positions. Texas really DOES have voters in our state who are informed and try our best to avoid putting idiots in office - but, every now and then, one sneaks in.
#25 - Thu Oct 17, 2013 1:48 AM EDT
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