Typical Gingrich.
Every 2-4 years, he is on the news programs advocating that the government should shut down.
Like his government shutdown was such a success — he ended up losing his speakership.
Unrelated. He resigned in 1999, the shutdowns were in 95 and 96.
It is undeniable that after that showdown the growth of government spending slowed considerably, particularly compared to the periods before and after his role as Speaker of the House.
I'm not a Newt fanboy, but despite the media spin on the shutdown he did prevail in substance.
All I know is this congress has failed to pass a budget for four straight years. I say if they don't pass a budget, they can't spend money. Period. No more continuing resolutions, which only guarantee that automatic spending increases happen every year with nobody being accountable for it. No more. If we need to shut the government down to make the Senate do its job, then so be it.
And when the press crucifies them, they can at least hold their heads up and say "The Democrat controlled Senate won't pass a budget, blame them."