As the House of Representatives returns from recess in September, a fierce funding battle is brewing, with a partial government shutdown looming if a compromise cannot be reached between the GOP-controlled House and the Democrat-led Senate.
The House of Representatives is set to resume its session on September 9th, amidst heightened tensions over government funding, with a potential partial shutdown looming just three weeks later. The funding deadline for the next fiscal year poses a significant challenge, requiring compromise between the GOP-led House and the Democrat-controlled Senate to avoid a disruption of government operations.
A short-term extension of the current year's funding, known as a "continuing resolution" (CR), is widely considered necessary to prevent a shutdown. This stopgap measure would ensure continued funding for essential government services while negotiations continue.
House Faces Funding Fight as Recess Ends, Shutdown Looms
However, divisions within the Republican party have hampered efforts to pass the 12 individual appropriations bills required to fund the government. GOP rebels have pushed for spending bills that include culture war amendments on contentious issues such as transgender surgeries and abortion.
Rank-and-file Republicans, on the other hand, have expressed reluctance to support measures that are unlikely to pass the Senate and could potentially damage their electoral prospects. As a result, only six of the 12 bills have been passed by the House, while none have been considered by the Senate.
House Faces Funding Fight as Recess Ends, Shutdown Looms
The focus when lawmakers return in September will likely center on the details of a potential CR, including its length and any riders that may be attached. Allies of former President Trump have advocated for a CR that extends into the new year, hoping to coincide with a potential Republican takeover of the White House and Senate.
However, senior GOP lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential for unnecessary drama during the critical transition period following the elections. Some Trump allies have also urged that a CR be paired with the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), which would implement proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration.
House Faces Funding Fight as Recess Ends, Shutdown Looms
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole has indicated skepticism about this proposal, emphasizing the need for a CR that can garner bipartisan support. Cole has suggested that disaster relief could be an area where common ground can be found between the two parties.
Despite the House's progress in advancing appropriations bills, frustrations have mounted over the slow pace of the funding process. A spokesperson for Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the House's efforts but highlighted the Senate's lack of progress in considering appropriations bills.
House Faces Funding Fight as Recess Ends, Shutdown Looms
As the deadline approaches, the pressure on both parties to reach an agreement will intensify. Failure to reach a compromise could result in a partial government shutdown, furloughing thousands of government employees and disrupting essential services. The stakes are high, and the outcome of the funding negotiations will have a significant impact on the functioning of the federal government in the coming months.
