Pressure Builds on Congress to End Shutdown Recess

Pressure is intensifying on members of Congress to interrupt their spring recess and return to Washington amid a record 45-day partial government shutdown that has left tens of thousands of federal workers without paychecks. The entertainment outlet TMZ has amplified public outrage by posting paparazzi-style videos and photos of lawmakers departing the capital or vacationing elsewhere, drawing millions of views and criticism over the timing of their absences.

The shutdown stems from a partisan deadlock over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, particularly restrictions sought by Democrats on immigration enforcement activities by agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol. Last week, the Senate approved a bipartisan measure to fund most DHS operations while excluding those agencies, but House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected it. House Republicans then advanced their own funding extension on a party-line vote before adjourning for recess, deepening the impasse.

TMZ, known for celebrity coverage, shifted focus after interviewing a Transportation Security Administration worker facing financial hardship from the shutdown. Executive producer...