In Washington D.C., a halting hot dog cart has become an unlikely symbol of the pervasive effects of the continuing government shutdown. Isaac Stein, a lawyer for the Internal Revenue Service, has traded his office desk for a street cart. Today, he’s feeding the community and tourists with some of the tastiest hot dogs around! This unusual undertaking began as a sabbatical project. Things have changed — it became an all-day, everyday business when Stein was furloughed by the Congress stalemate.
As the federal government shutdown continues into its second month. It just recently became the second-longest in U.S. history, leading to widespread frustrations among everyday Americans – key among them, surprisingly, some Congressional Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the chamber in recess since September, leaving federal employees like Stein without pay and uncertain about their return to work. Whatever the near-term resolution of Stein’s fate, he stayed hopeful—he himself promised to be back at his desk “at the first available opportunity.”
The Impact of the Shutdown
The ongoing government shutdown has affected hundreds of thousands of workers across various federal agencies. Millions more are under severe economic pressure as their paychecks have suddenly stopped coming. Isaac Stein has truly hit the ground running as the new owner of the wienermobile and he humbly hopes for a happy conclusion to his fate.
Stein’s modest hot dog stall has turned out to be much more than just a new source of income, though … It has created a wave of community support. It was inspiring to hear him say, “I feel very deeply supported by the community here, I really enjoy being here.” His stand has attracted the attention of other furloughed federal employees. Together, they’re looking for a new normal as they navigate this uncharted territory.
As the shuttering continues, fears about food security have increasingly gripped the American public. About 42 million Americans—1 in 8 people—depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. With funding for this program potentially at risk, Democrats have stressed the need for any new funding measure to include extensions of tax credits for SNAP.
Political Frustrations
The political climate going into the government shutdown has become toxic. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is one of the most senior Republicans in Congress, has faced criticism from within his party as some members express discomfort with the protracted recess. Former President Donald Trump is already weighing in, calling for Republican leaders to make radical concessions to end the deadlock.
Exasperation with the shutdown grew to a lawsuit. Then a federal judge intervened, issuing a temporary restraining order, calling the payment halt arbitrary and capricious. This ruling increases the urgency for lawmakers to act. They need to move fast to get beyond the stalemate and return vital funding to important programs.
A Glimpse Into Daily Life
For Isaac Stein, being out at his hot dog cart is the best place he could be during the shutdown to get a different understanding of the situation. He started this new venture in September to get out of his day job. So when he was furloughed, he made a swift pivot and jumped on the opportunity. “I started this in September. It was intended as a weekend project. It was, for several weeks. And then I was furloughed,” he explained.
Stein’s experience at the hot dog stand has even more heartwarming reception from the community. He made sure to thank patrons for their support. Quite often, they’re fellow furloughed workers, stopping in for a meal and a little bit of companionship. My colleagues have taken up the cause with me — as have other federal furloughed workers. Their reaction is much more exuberant than that, they are just thrilled to see someone living their passion and doing what they love.
Stein looks forward to continuing directly at the IRS in this new capacity. He understands that his present circumstance is simply a proving ground. Until then, he remains optimistic that fate will conspire for a swift resolution to the shutdown. He’s chomping at the bit to get back to work the minute he gets the greenlight.
