In the war of words over the federal shutdown, Colorado’s members of Congress are foot soldiers for their parties

The image displays a group of people on a video call, with each person's face visible on a separate screen.
Screenshot taken by Caitlyn Kim/CPR News
Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper and Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow and Brittany Pettersen participate in a virtual press conference about the federal shutdown, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Speaker Mike Johnson stands at a podium with a sign that reads "the Democrat shutdown." He is flanked by other Republican Representatives, with a backdrop of flags and a portrait of George Washington.
Caitlyn Kim/CPR News

Caitlyn Kim/CPR News

Rep. Gabe Evans speaks alongside fellow members of Colorado's congressional delegation
Kyle McKinnon/KUNC