Congress is again working against a deadline to keep the government open and funded. Funding is set to expire September 30 and the fight over a continuing resolution has pushed Washington toward another potential shutdown.
House Republicans have advanced a stopgap bill to extend funding through November 21. The measure also adds money for security at federal agencies and Congress. But it does not address health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act or restore Medicaid funding trimmed in a Republican-passed spending bill from earlier this year. These two areas are considered priorities for Congressional Democrats.
A similar situation happened earlier this year when Republicans pushed a continuing resolution through Congress in December. A majority of Democrats withheld support, but enough crossed the aisle to reach the 60-vote threshold—effectively keeping the government open.
Democrats have rejected the GOP-led plan, arguing it leaves key health programs exposed and strengthens President Donald Trump’s hand in budget negotiations. They say the bill was written without their input and that efforts to negotiate have been refused by Republicans.
Republicans argue that the bill is a straightforward extension of funding levels Democrats previously supported, accusing Democrats of using the threat of a shutdown to leverage unrelated policy demands. But, it’s not lockstep in the Republican camp. Conservative opposition lingers too, with some Republicans saying the plan spends too much and others warning against adding subsidies.
The standoff has increased the likelihood of a government shutdown. Senate rules require 60 votes to pass a funding bill, meaning it will require Democrat votes to pass. Party leaders on both sides are signaling they are prepared to hold their ground.
The risk of a shutdown grows the closer Congress moves to the deadline without an agreement. A lapse in funding would send hundreds of thousands of federal workers home or force them to work without pay, disrupt health and safety programs, and stall basic government services.
For now, the question remains: will lawmakers strike a deal in time, or will the government close its doors at the end of the month?
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.