Congress Faces Countdown to Avoid Looming Shutdown

On Monday, September 9th, Congress returned to Capitol Hill after a six-week summer break with just three weeks left to avert a government shutdown. Federal funding runs out at midnight on September 30, and both parties are under pressure to reach an agreement. A shutdown would lead to the closure of federal agencies, parks, and services, impacting millions of workers nationwide just weeks before the upcoming election.

House Republicans, under significant influence from former President Donald Trump and the party’s right-wing, have introduced a stopgap measure to extend funding until March 2025. The measure is tied to the controversial SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voting, a proposal that Democrats vehemently oppose. While it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote, Democrats argue that the law could disenfranchise many Americans without access to required documents.

Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have made it clear that the proposed bill is dead on arrival in the Senate. Schumer warned that if Speaker Mike Johnson pushes House Republicans down this “highly partisan path,” the chances of a government shutdown will increase dramatically. Democrats argue that the responsibility for any shutdown will rest squarely on the shoulders of the GOP.

If no agreement is reached, millions of federal employees could face furloughs, while public services would be limited. Government shutdowns historically affect public trust, and both parties are aware of the potential political fallout. In addition to the budget fight, Congress also faces the expiration of the farm bill on September 30, another critical issue that will likely be handled via a stopgap measure.

As the November elections draw closer, the political atmosphere in Washington remains tense. The GOP has also shifted its focus towards investigating Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, with hearings on issues like border security and energy policy. These politically charged sessions are expected to dominate much of the remaining legislative time before the campaign trail heats up.

With time running out and no resolution in sight, the public is left to wonder whether Congress can avoid yet another shutdown. Both parties must now navigate the high stakes of the upcoming election while attempting to find a compromise on the government’s funding.