Congress Struggles to Agree on Spending Bill, Avoid Government Shutdown

TL/DR –

Congress has a deadline of September 30th to agree on a stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Democrats and Republicans agree on the need for a continuing resolution but are not yet in agreement on its specific details. If a shutdown occurs, it would result in furloughs for nonessential federal workers, though legislation from 2019 would ensure they receive back pay for lost wages.

Congress faces a looming deadline to prevent a government shutdown, with leaders from both parties yet to reach a consensus on a short-term spending bill that will keep federal workers employed.

Stay updated on the latest Congressional developments with WTOP Capitol Hill correspondent Mitchell Miller at Today on the Hill.

The deadline for approving legislation is Sept. 30, ahead of the start of the next fiscal year on Oct. 1. With little time for the passage of all 12 appropriation bills, both parties agree on passing a continuing resolution.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlights that the Senate has successfully passed three major appropriations bills before the August recess, hinting more work is still needed.

Leaders strategize ahead of potential shutdown

As the deadline gets closer, both party leaders are setting up the political narrative to blame each other if an agreement is not reached. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insists on bipartisan efforts to avoid the shutdown, accusing Republicans of potentially causing it.

Thune, however, warns Democrats against what the GOP considers unreasonable demands and encourages them to cooperate and fund the government.

Schumer received criticism from Democrats earlier this year for not taking a strong stand before Democratic lawmakers voted for a resolution to avoid a shutdown.

What happens if a shutdown occurs?

In the event a resolution isn’t reached, a partial government shutdown is possible from Oct. 1. Nonessential federal workers may be furloughed, but under 2019 legislation, they would receive back pay for lost wages during the shutdown.

Important services like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid would continue, and most shutdowns resolve within a few days. However, the country has witnessed a record 35-day partial government shutdown during Trump’s first term.

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