Threat of Government Shutdown Hangs Over Congress’ Return

Lawmakers are set to return to Capitol Hill on Monday after a long August break, gearing up for a significant government funding battle as the deadline looms just three weeks away. Congress must pass a funding bill by October 1 to avoid a government shutdown, which means there will likely be a need for a temporary funding measure, deferring the broader funding discussions to a later date.

Recently, House Republicans began outlining their strategy for the impending budget negotiations, proposing a continuing resolution that would extend government funding until March 28. This would come alongside a controversial bill regarding voting regulations, which Democrats are likely to reject outright. Speaker Mike Johnson presented this plan during a briefing with House Republicans last week, revealing the details of the bill shortly thereafter.

The proposal includes the SAVE Act, legislation aimed at preventing illegal voting by requiring proof of citizenship for federal election registrations. This plan gained momentum after the House Freedom Caucus officially endorsed it, despite the fact that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. Johnson emphasized that this initiative is vital for safeguarding the federal election process, asserting that Congress must ensure only American citizens can participate in elections.

Although the House could move forward with voting on this measure as soon as Wednesday, its passage remains uncertain, even within the Republican-controlled chamber. Only five Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure in July, but broader opposition is expected. The White House has expressed strong disapproval, claiming the bill will not enhance election security but rather complicate voter registration for Americans.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray criticized the GOP for what they see as a partisan approach that jeopardizes bipartisan efforts needed to avoid a shutdown. They warned that if Johnson continues down this path, the likelihood of a government closure increases significantly, placing the onus for any shutdown squarely on Republican shoulders.

Further criticism came from House Democrats, including Representative Rosa DeLauro, who condemned the Republicans for taking a divisive route in the appropriations process. She suggested that a bipartisan agreement is essential and argued for a continuing resolution that would fund the government through December, a move she believes would better serve American interests. DeLauro expressed hope that the majority party does not take the country towards a shutdown precipitated by the Republicans’ stance.

The anticipated continuing resolution is seen as a critical step, given the daunting task of getting the twelve appropriations bills necessary for government funding completed by the October deadline. However, the duration of this stopgap measure is not yet clear. Johnson has indicated to fellow Republicans that he is opposed to the customary omnibus package that Congress typically utilizes for government funding, hinting at a willingness to delay the deadline into the new year.

Delaying the funding deadline could strategically benefit Republicans, particularly in light of the possibility that former President Donald Trump might regain the position of president, potentially giving them greater leverage in future budget negotiations. However, this strategy could lead to challenging financial disputes early in the next administration, no matter who is in charge.

Recent funding negotiations come on the heels of last year’s events that culminated in former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s removal, a historic move that escalated the stakes for future fiscal confrontations. As the current funding deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether House Republicans can maintain unity. Some members have already voiced concerns about Johnson’s plan. Representative Matt Rosendale from Montana criticized it as a mere messaging tactic that does little to enhance the chances of passing an urgent funding measure or addressing the deficit. He emphasized his belief that his role in Congress should not revolve around insincere political gestures.