When Washington descends into gridlock, I don’t watch the leaders; I listen to the chaplain. While senators debate and posture, a quiet voice offers a different kind of assessment, a spiritual temperature check on the nation’s capital during a government shutdown.
Senate Chaplain Barry Black doesn’t command headlines, but he possesses a unique vantage point. He speaks directly to the heart of the Senate, offering daily prayers that, during times of crisis, become searing indictments of inaction and appeals to conscience.
On the third day of a recent shutdown, Black implored the senators to act with integrity, praying they wouldn’t be remembered for “setting a new record for keeping the government closed.” He challenged them to embrace humility and compassion, quoting scripture about treating others as they wish to be treated.
Black’s prayers aren’t new. He delivered similar rebukes during shutdowns in 2013 and 2018-19, once lamenting the “shame” of halting death benefits to fallen soldiers’ families. Another time, he condemned the “hypocrisy of attempting to sound reasonable while being unreasonable” after Capitol Police were injured during a shutdown.
His recent oration was particularly direct, a plea for legislators to transform “cacophony into concord.” But as the shutdown stretched into its 29th day, the atmosphere in the Capitol grew increasingly toxic, revealing the raw edges of political frustration.
The carefully constructed facade of civility crumbled. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer unleashed a furious tirade, branding the president “a cold, heartless individual.” Other lawmakers weren’t far behind, resorting to blunt, often profane, language to express their anger and exasperation.
One chairman demanded Democrats “pull their heads out of their asses,” while a congresswoman, frustrated by delays in aid, bluntly told the administration to “go get it, godd---it.” Even the usually composed Senate Majority Leader Thune erupted, accusing Democrats of ignoring the real-world consequences of their actions.
Despite the escalating tensions, glimmers of potential compromise emerged. Some lawmakers expressed willingness to discuss healthcare concerns, but only if the government reopened. Yet, firm lines were drawn, with one leader insisting there were “zero cracks” in their party’s resolve.
The blame game intensified. One leader accused the president of prioritizing talks with foreign powers over finding a solution with Congress. The Speaker, increasingly frustrated, admitted to giving up on the opposing leadership and focusing on appealing to moderate voices.
A few senators quietly explored potential pathways forward, recognizing the need for a breakthrough. But any progress remained contingent on the involvement of one key figure – a figure who held the power to dictate the actions of others.
As Veterans Day approached, predictions about the shutdown’s end grew more urgent. Some believed it would be the breaking point, while others anticipated a resolution the following week, driven by the mounting consequences for ordinary Americans.
Airlines and unions began to demand action, recognizing the potential disruption to travel and commerce. The looming expiration of SNAP benefits and the prospect of a second missed paycheck added to the pressure. The opportunities for resolution were multiplying, but remained just that – opportunities.
Barry Black continued his daily invocations, his words a constant reminder of the moral weight of their decisions. Whether his prayers would penetrate the hardened political landscape remained uncertain. The fate of the government, and the well-being of the nation, hung precariously – on a wing and a prayer.
