Congressman Keeps Time at Son's Basketball Game Amid Shutdown

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Congressman Jared Moskowitz, a representative from Florida, was the timekeeper at his 12-year-old son's basketball playoff game on Tuesday as the federal government remained shut down. Moskowitz was responsible for keeping time and the scoreboard, though he briefly forgot to hit the start button at one point, drawing yells from both teams to do his job. The congressman's son's team ended up winning the game 32-29.

Why it matters

The image of a congressman attending his son's basketball game while the federal government is shut down highlights the disconnect between lawmakers and the real-world impacts of their political gridlock on federal workers and the public. It also raises questions about how members of Congress are spending their time during the shutdown.

The details

Congressman Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat representing Florida's 23rd district, was the timekeeper at his 12-year-old son's basketball playoff game on Tuesday at Pine Trails Park in Parkland, Florida. In addition to keeping time, Moskowitz was also responsible for operating the scoreboard, though he briefly forgot to hit the start button at one point, drawing yells from members of both teams to do his job. Moskowitz's son's team ended up winning the game 32-29.

• Congressman Moskowitz was the timekeeper at his son's basketball game on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
• The federal government shutdown had been ongoing for several weeks at the time of the basketball game.

What’s next

As the federal government shutdown continues, there will likely be more scrutiny on how members of Congress are spending their time and whether they are prioritizing their official duties over personal activities.