In a race against time, House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to unveil a plan to avert a government shutdown set for Friday. However, with Johnson’s limited experience in handling shutdown politics and growing disarray within the GOP, the likelihood of a shutdown is on the rise. A 3 p.m. briefing for House Republicans could provide insight into the strategy, but the short timeframe raises concerns.
Challenges and Adjustments
Sources on Capitol Hill and at the White House have noted the increased potential for a shutdown, prompting adjustments to travel plans, with some preparing to spend the holiday in Washington, D.C. While a last-minute clean Continuing Resolution (CR) remains a possibility, skepticism persists, and aides are bracing for the impact.
Shutdown Dynamics and Political History
Reflecting on past funding standoffs, history indicates that shutdowns often favor one party politically. Instances such as the 1995-1996 shutdown contributing to Bill Clinton’s comeback and Barack Obama’s perceived victory in 2013 showcase the potential consequences. Democrats are positioning themselves to leverage any shutdown scenario, emphasizing potential risks to servicemembers, law enforcement, travelers, public health, and small businesses.
White House Surrogates and Talking Points
The White House is gearing up for potential fallout, with surrogates prepped to address the consequences of a shutdown. Talking points distributed to allies emphasize the urgency, painting a picture of an “Extreme Republican Shutdown” impacting essential services and national interests.
Supplemental Funding and Foreign Policy Challenges
If a shutdown is averted or swiftly resolved, focus will shift to President Biden’s $106 billion national security funding request. The supplemental funding request is expected to reignite negotiations, with a particular emphasis on aid to Ukraine. Democrats plan to spotlight Iran’s involvement, linking opposition to Ukrainian aid with being perceived as soft on Iran, a country reportedly assisting Russia in building attack drones for the war in Ukraine.
As the clock ticks down, the political landscape remains uncertain, and all eyes are on Johnson’s plan and the potential implications for government operations.
COMMENTS