Story perspectives

Whoopi Urges Congress to Forfeit Salaries During Shutdown

10/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Whoopi Goldberg, host of The View, proposed on October 15, 2025 that Republicans and Democrats stop drawing salaries until the government shutdown ends to press lawmakers by showing the impact on their constituents.
The audience and co-hosts supported the idea, noting it is unfair for Congress to be paid while many Americans face hardships.
The discussion also praised media organizations that refused to comply with a controversial Pentagon policy, underscoring press freedom.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdowns of 1995-1996 stemmed from budget disputes between President Bill Clinton and the Republican-controlled Congress, led by Speaker Newt Gingrich. The first shutdown lasted five days in November 1995, followed by a 21-day shutdown from December 1995 to January 1996, furloughing approximately 800,000 federal employees and highlighting ongoing tensions over government spending priorities.

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Story summary

Whoopi Goldberg, host of The View, proposed on October 15, 2025 that Republicans and Democrats stop drawing salaries until the government shutdown ends to press lawmakers by showing the impact on their constituents.
The audience and co-hosts supported the idea, noting it is unfair for Congress to be paid while many Americans face hardships.
The discussion also praised media organizations that refused to comply with a controversial Pentagon policy, underscoring press freedom.

1 / 2