Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen has taken a prominent position for the Democrats in the wake of the 2025 federal shutdown.

He’s expressed strong support for federal workers across the country who have been fired, furloughed or otherwise affected when President Donald Trump shut down the federal government on Oct. 1.

WTOP’s Ralph Fox spoke with Sen. Van Hollen about the ongoing shutdown, and Saturday’s “No Kings” protest. Read the full Q&A below.

Listen to the full interview below or read the transcript. The transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.