With hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed, the consequences of another government shutdown are hitting home. This week, Elisa is joined by Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, to break down how shutdowns became a political tool—and what they cost the American people. Alongside guest host Harvey Rishikof, they discuss the essential vs. nonessential workforce divide, the legal roots of shutdowns, and how this cycle threatens the long-term strength of U.S. institutions.

Harvey Rishikof is Senior Counselor of the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security