We're six days away from a federal government shutdown and the White House has begun preparing for the possibility which, according to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, has become something of a routine under this Republican-controlled Congress.
Earnest said it was “only prudent to begin such planning,” and lamented that this was “a process that we have unfortunately become all too familiar with.” [...]
While Earnest emphasized that preparations remained in the planning stages only, he also expressed regret that such moves were “becoming routine.”
If Senator Ted Cruz follows through on his threat to block passage of a continuing resolution through the weekend, it will mean Congress will have just three days to avert a shutdown beginning on Monday.
I don't believe this will be the last time we face another shutdown. If this shutdown is averted, I expect to face another in December, another in the Spring, and another next Fall.
Anyone who tries to sell you on the benefits of divided government is a liar.