Nine Days to Avoid a Government Shutdown
Congress faces a pressing deadline to avert a government shutdown, with only nine working days remaining. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is under pressure to navigate internal party dynamics and secure a bipartisan agreement to pass a continuing resolution (CR) before December 20.
What’s on the Table?
Lawmakers are expected to propose a stopgap funding measure that maintains government operations at current levels until March 2025. This approach buys time for negotiations but faces resistance from conservative Republicans who typically oppose temporary funding solutions. With Johnson’s narrow majority and intra-party dissent, House Democrats’ support is crucial for passing the CR.
Key Democratic Priorities
Democrats have signaled their primary demand:
- Robust disaster aid funding. The White House has requested nearly $100 billion for recovery efforts, including responses to hurricanes, the Maui wildfires, and Midwest tornadoes.
- A “clean” CR free of partisan riders or funding cuts.
While Democrats are not threatening a shutdown, they are pushing to maximize aid for disaster-stricken states, potentially leading to last-minute negotiations.
Republican Challenges
Conservative members of Johnson’s caucus could complicate the process. Many oppose stopgap measures on principle and are wary of funding packages that increase government spending. Furthermore, Republican appropriators have hinted that the disaster aid total may fall short of the White House’s request, signaling potential friction between the parties.
Additional Legislation at Stake
The CR may also carry provisions to renew key programs:
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, supporting job training programs.
- Older Americans Act, funding senior services.
These measures have bipartisan support but will likely ride on the CR for swift passage.
Next Steps
Lawmakers are expected to finalize the text of the funding bill by December 15, giving Congress limited time to review and pass the legislation. The compressed timeline increases the likelihood of a quick resolution, as members aim to avoid delaying their holiday plans.
The Bottom Line
Speaker Mike Johnson faces a tough balancing act in appeasing conservative Republicans while securing enough Democratic votes to avoid a shutdown. Disaster aid and the scope of the CR remain critical sticking points as the clock ticks toward the December 20 deadline.
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